LIVING-ROCK CACTUS

any of several cactus plants comprising the genus Ariocarpus, family Cactaceae, and especially A. fissuratus fissuratus. The six species almost entirely lack spines but are woolly covered. They are native to Texas and Mexico and live on limestone-rich soil. All the species are low-growing and have a rosette of tubercles (projections) that are flattened in A. fissuratus and A. kotschoubeyanus. In the other four species, pointed tubercles protrude up and out. Water is stored against the dry winter in the thickened taproot and in mucilage canals and reservoirs. The summer rains bring flowers of magenta, white, yellow, or cream that measure 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) in diameter. Fruits ripen just before the next summer's rain. Ariocarpus species contain sufficient alkaloids, principally hordenine, to make them mildly hallucinogenic.