Wichiri (Mammillaria craigii) is a spherical
cactus
of the Mammilaria
genus. It has brightly colored
orange and purple
flowers, and long tufts of white
cottony growth at the base of the spines. It is
solitary, and can grow up to 15 cm (6 inches)
in
diameter.
The cactus is known to contain
a number of psychoactive
alkaloids, including some that are unspecified,
but most importantly mescaline, a powerful
psychedelic.
Wichiri is native to the south-western parts of
Chihuahua, Sierra Tarahumara, and in
Rio Urinique in Mexico, where it has
tradationally been used as a ritual entheogen.
The intoxication produced by the cactus is
followed by a deep sleep in which brilliant
visions are produced. During this trance it is said
that a person can travel great distances.