that new Lophophora

http://lophophora.blogspot.com/2009/02/lophophora-alberto-vojtechii-new.html
what does everyone think of this?

Really does sound positive, Id imagine based on locality there would be minor trait's and variations in evolution based on habitat. the more the keep looking the more they will find no doubt. Certifiably awesome and seems they have done research over the last 2 years to obtain credible fact...

Now someone get em into aus and hanazono can graft em teehee
Thanks for the read Lewis
-A

I know absolutely nothing about Loph, which means they basically all look the same to me.
Is it possible its just a natural hybrid?

I think it's very beautiful. However, it is yet to have its validity as a new species proven. The population from where it is found is only 100km from L. koehresii, the next smallest species, so it may just be a new variety.

Another strange thing about it is that is usually only has five ribs and no wool, the common appearance of immature Lophophora species.

There are defintiely difference to be found, but whether they merit the status of it being a sperate species or not is yet to be seen.

more alberto-vojtechii photos

I'd be especially interested to see if the plant stays small in cultivation (well, at least on its own roots). it appears to flower at a remarkably small size, flower dwarfs the plant. the straight ribs would immediately suggest relation to williamsii, however IIRC it is actually closer to the diffusa sect, apparently both because of a similarity to koehresii and also a certain other difference which cannot be discussed here

im skeptical as well. although taxonomists probably wont agree, i think cultivation should be a requirement for describing it, as it is the best way to test reproduction.

be neat if it is a new one, but it seems fairly ify.....5 ribs that small is common....they also stated that the odd one had 8...which means they are likely growing new ones as they mature.....it could just be a new or slower growing population of another species.

be interesting to see howit unfolds!

Our local dealers were taking orders for this plant during this year (import from Czech Republic). I decided not to buy it cos its hard to say whether its fake or real one...image is below, seeds available here: http://www.kaktusy.cz/eshop/index.php

Well it is thee years after the discovery and I would still be very skeptical as to the validity of the identification. Personally I can't distinguish any solid visual difference between them? Does anyone know any 'tell tail' or obvious traits for I'd purposes?

Did you go to EGA HN? As you would know, Trout did a couple of talks there. I asked him if he thought L. alberto-vojtechii was a distinct speces and he said he thought it definitely was, or in the very least, a distinct hybrid (but more likely a species). They have been found flowering at 1cm in diameter and apparently have not been found larger than 4cm or 5cm.

No I didnt go to EGA and didn't knot Trout was speaking there, that would have been interesting. I'm not challenging the founders or the validity of the species, I have little to no exprience in the genetics of these plants. I was speaking from a collectors stand point and conveying how difficult it would be to get a solid I'd prior to obtaining seeds or a plant.
Do you know of any distinguishing features of the said plant?

Other than size, no. No doubt the flower is important, but I don't know how.

Yeah I'm in the same boat. Makes purchasing difficult.

recent picture from the british forum..looks like a real one..