Ariocarpus fissuratus (Engelm.) K.Schum.

A cactus with a tuberous taproot. They grow flat to the ground. It grows 10 cm high. It can reach 15 cm across. They are spineless and there are a cluster of tubercles around the tuberous taproot. The tubercles are three sided and cracked. They are 2.5 cm thick at the base and narrow to a blunt tip. From the tip of the dried-up bodies they produce funnel shaped flowers. These are 5 cm high and 4 cm across. Flowers can be white, yellow or pink. It flowers in the daytime.

It grows in Mexico and Texas. It can stand temperatures down to-10°C for short periods if kept dry. It needs a temperature above 10°C for growth. It requires heat and a very well drained or porous soil. They do best with high light and warm temperatures. They normally grow in eroded calcareous rocks with a pH of 7-8. They also grow on acid soils. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

CAUTION: It probably contains alkaloids which cause psychological effects. The plant is chewed and produces intoxication. The juice of the plant is used to make an alcoholic drink. It is fermented with germinated maize. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer.

It can be grown from seed. Plants are also grafted