Living Rock

(Ariocarpus Fissuratus)

Week 5
Year 2016
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Living rock (Ariocarpus fissuratus) in a pot.
Image Credit: "Ariocarpus fissuratus" by Frank Vincentz © CC BY-SA 3.0

Good luck finding one of these cacti in their natural habitat. Not only are Living Rocks hard to spot and in hard-to-reach locations, but they are also in danger of extinction.[1] After 50 years of age, this spineless cacti is only four to five inches in diameter, again, making them hard to find.[2] If you do happen to be walking by the US-Mexico Border and spot one, don’t eat it, they have similar effects to peyote but considered dangerous. If it is consumed, beware: it is considered dark sorcery by the Huichol Indians to eat.[3][4]

Do you know any fun facts or tips?

Citations

[1]: "Ariocarpus Fissuratus." Cactus Art Nursery. Accessed February 18, 2016. http://www.cactus-art.biz/schede/ARIOCARPUS/Ariocarpus_fissuratus/Ariocarpus_fissuratus/ariocarpus_fissuratus.htm.

[2]: Winner, John. "10 Of The Most Unique Cacti - Listverse." Listverse. July 1, 2013. Accessed February 18, 2016. http://listverse.com/2013/07/01/10-of-the-most-unique-cacti.

[3]: "Ariocarpus Fissuratus." Living Rocks of Mexico. Accessed February 18, 2016. http://www.living-rocks.com/fissuratus.htm.

[4]: Cleversley, Keith. "Ariocarpus Fissuratus – False Peyote." Entheologycom RSS. Accessed February 18, 2016. http://entheology.com/plants/ariocarpus-fissuratus-false-peyote/.