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.