Lophophora williamsii or peyote is a small, spineless cactus with psychoactive alkaloids, particularly mescaline. The English common name peyote comes from the like-spelled Spanish name, which in turn comes from the Nahuatl name peyotl , said to be derived from a root meaning "glisten" or "glistening". Native North Americans are likely to have used peyote, often for spiritual purposes, for at least 5,500 years.