The essay will be an in-depth analysis of Peyote (Lophophora williamsii), describing its form, development, morphology, and use (if one exists). It is important to analyze and discuss the plant’s cultivation, evolution, biochemistry, and genome (of it or a close relative). 

Please include the images I have attached in the paper.

Three scientific questions that I’d like to answer in my paper:

• Does Peyote have any healing/medicinal properties when consumed?
• How did Peyote first start being grown and used for religious purposes?
• How was Peyote first cultivated, and does anything regarding its original cultivation have to do with the fact that it produces mescaline?

Lophophora williamsii, also known by its common name, Peyote, is a small spineless cactus that is native to the Chihuahuan Desert of Southwestern Texas as well as Mexico. Peyote belongs to the genus Lophophora, which is a genus of spineless cacti. The average Peyote is about 3 inches wide and 2 inches tall. Peyote is soft, and has a dull green color. Peyote uses CAM photosynthesis, meaning that it only exchanges gasses at night but photosynthesizes during the day. Peyote is also able to survive in desert environments due to the fact that it uses CAM photosynthesis. In cream form, peyote can be used to treat fevers, joint pain, and paralysis. Peyote contains Mescaline, and is classified as a hallucinogen. Due to the fact that Peyote contains mescaline, it is illegal in many countries around the world. It is legal in some places, such as Canada, only if utilized for religious purposes. In Mexico, both the consumption and harvestation of Peyote are illegal due to its scarceness in the wild. In addition to hallucinations, the consumption of Peyote may result in increased body temperature, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and impaired perceptions of space and time.