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September 27, 2022  |  By Ben Ivers

Living Rock Cactus

Living Rock Cactus Live

IUCN Conservation Status: Least Concern

Living rock cactus are being poached from the wild

I absolutely love this weird wild photo of a living rock cactus! This was taken while on a trip in Big Bend National Park in Texas. When I first saw one of these cacti, I thought that it had been stepped on and was dead. To my surprise, this is what many of the living rock cactus look like! It is always great to have somebody who knows more than you about the environment that you are exploring. Luckily for me, I had my brother, Nick Ivers, along for the trip, and he was able to quickly point out so many different species of cactus.

Hedgehog Cactus

About living rock cactus

The scientific name for the living rock cactus is Ariocarpus fissuratus. It also goes by the common names of false peyote, chautle, dry whiskey, and star cactus. It is found in northern Mexico and Texas. Although the conservation status of this species of cactus is Least Concern by the IUCN, poaching has started to take a toll on its population. There are tens of thousands of individuals that are removed annually of this protected Texas cacti. The poachers are taking the populations for collectors who seek this beautiful slow growing cactus for its pinkish to purplish flowers with an orange center that bloom in October and early November.

What does living rock cactus look like?

The living rock cactus Is the only species from the Ariocarpus genus in the United States. This genus is known for growing low to the ground and having a very thick taproot. This cactus has a rosette arrangement made up of wrinkled, triangular tubercles. The tubercles are brown, gray, or green which further help with the camouflage of this weird plant. When this cactus is experiencing drought-like conditions, the stem will shrink, which makes it even less discernible from the rocky, dry ground that it grows against.

Barrel Cactus

It is found exclusively within the Chihuahuan desert. To find it make sure that you are paying attention to the ground. You will want to be in a low elevation, and to look among the rocks. The living rock cactus will be quite small, because even after several decades it might only be five inches in diameter.

This cactus has a thick taproot

Did you know?

  • The name false peyote likely comes from the fact that Native American tribes have used this species for its mind-altering capabilities. It does not have the mescaline substance that is found in peyote, but it does have N-methyltyramine and hordenine.
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Matt Hamas and Ben Ivers here. We are focused on fostering a greater understanding and appreciation of the environment. We endeavor to bring you a unique perspective of the wild. Our photos are being placed here for you to enjoy. Please feel free to download any of the photos for your personal use. We are currently seeking partners for printing and developing photos.

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