Are Spiral Ribs Unique to Lophophora williamsii from Huizache?
The Lophophora williamsii plants from Huizache show a wide range of shapes and forms due to their self-sterility. Since they require cross-pollination, different plants with unique traits can mix, creating a variety of appearances even within the same region. Some have long, thin petals with pointed tips, while others have more rounded petal edges. The flower colors also vary, ranging from white and light pink to deep pink, sometimes even changing color as they age. Despite these differences, all Huizache plants share the same self-sterile stigma.
The crown size and shape can differ from plant to plant, as can the rib structure. These ribs may be straight, rounded, Z-shaped, or spiral, and their notches also vary—they can be single, double, short, straight, or rounded.
However, spiral ribs are not exclusive to Huizache plants. They can also appear in Lophophora williamsii from both northern and southern regions. As these plants grow, their rib patterns may change. A young plant with spiral ribs might develop straight ribs in adulthood, or vice versa. Some even switch the direction of their spiral or never develop spiral ribs at all. Many Huizache plants don’t have spiral ribs, proving that this feature is not unique to the region.
Below are photos showing different rib formations in Lophophora williamsii from Huizache, including spiral, straight, wavy, and serrated ribs. The term “serrated” refers to ribs that form a zig-zag pattern, resembling the letter “Z.”
Photo Credit: Nuntita, Gerhard