pachanoi

Pachanoi, commonly known as the San Pedro cactus, is a columnar cactus species native to the Andean highlands of Peru, Ecuador, and northern Bolivia. It is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant and has a long history of use in traditional Andean shamanic practices.

Description: Pachanoi forms tall, slender stems with typically six to eight ribs and small areoles bearing short, brownish spines. In natural settings it can reach several meters in height, though cultivated specimens are often smaller. The green stem is relatively slender compared with many other columnar cacti. The plant produces large nocturnal flowers that are white to pale yellow, opening at night and fading by day. Pollination is primarily by hawkmoths and bats. The fruit is small and not commonly consumed.

Chemistry and use: Pachanoi contains mescaline and related phenethylamines, with concentration varying by plant and growing conditions. Because mescaline is illegal to possess or extract in many jurisdictions, laws relating to pachanoi cultivation and handling vary widely. The plant itself is frequently sold for ornamental purposes, and cultivation is permitted in many regions, but extraction or synthesis of mescaline is typically restricted.

Cultivation: It prefers bright light and well-drained soil, with infrequent watering during the dormant season and more regular irrigation in the growing period. Pachanoi tolerates heat and drought well and can tolerate brief cold spells if established, though frost should be avoided. It is commonly grown in pots or in landscapes in suitable climates.