A Preliminary Revision of the North American Species of Cactus, Anhalonium, and Lophophora

In this meticulous study the botanist retraces a summer trek along the Mexican border, where he and his assistants braved the desert heat to collect cactus, Anhalonium, and Lophophora specimens. Their field notes capture the stark beauty of the landscape and the rare moments when blossoms reveal themselves, while the collaboration with institutions such as the Missouri Botanical Garden and the Gray Herbarium supplies a wealth of historic material. The opening pages also detail the logistical hurdles of preserving fragile plant bodies, setting the stage for a comprehensive survey of North America’s prickly flora.

The work proceeds to weave together these fresh collections with decades‑old notes from pioneering researchers, offering a clear, organized overview of each species’ defining traits. Listeners will appreciate the blend of vivid expedition anecdotes and the painstaking taxonomic analysis that laid groundwork for modern cactus study. It’s a fascinating glimpse into late‑19th‑century botanical science, presented with the care of a seasoned naturalist.