Psychotria viridis Information

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Psychotria viridis

Page Contents
1. Names
	1.1 Taxonomy
	1.2 Identification
2 Methods of Use 3 The experience 4. Toxicity 5. Chemistry 6. Distribution 7. Photos 8. Related Pages 9. Referrences

1. Names: Back to top

Family: Rubiaceae

Subfamily:

Tribe:

Botanical Name: Psychotria viridis

Extensions: N/A

English Name(s):

Synonyms:

Related Species:

First Published in:

Author(s):

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1.1. Psychotria viridis Taxonomy: Back to top

Psychotria viridis R. & P. Fl. 2: 61. pl. 210, f. b. 1799. P. glomerata HBK. Nov. Gen. & Sp. 3: 362. 1820. Palicourea viridis R. & S. Syst. Veg. 5: 195. 1819.

A shrub or small tree, 4.5 meters high or less, glabrous or nearly so; stipules large, thin, acuminate, ferruginous, caducous; leaves darkening when dried, thin, short petiolate, obovate or obovate-attenuate to the base; inflorescence pedunculate, spicate-paniculate, open, many-flowered, the minute flowers sessile in distant glomerules; corolla greenish white; fruit red, 4-5mm. long. Neg. 482.

Huanuco: Described from Chinchao and Macora, Ruiz & Pavon.-Junin: Colonia Perene, 600 meters, in forest, Killip & Smith 25150. Puerto Bermudez, 375 meters, Killip & Smith 26641.-Loreto: San Ramon, in forest, Williams 4567. Fortaleza, yurimaguas, Williams 4276. Paraiso, Williams 3363. Balsapuerto, Killip & Smith 28383. Santa Rosa, Williams 4836. PuertoArturo, 135 meters, Killip & Smith 28264.-San Martin: Tarapoto, Williams 6699, 6030; Ule 6614. Casapi, Fielding 1949. Zepelacio, 1,200 meters, in forest, Klug 3377. Rumizapa, Williams 6812. Rio Mayo, Williams 6278, 6228, 6203. Bolivia to Central America and Cuba: Amazonian Brazil.

"Paufil chaqui." The original locality of P. glomerata was given doubtfully as Peru, but it is more probable that the type came from Colombia. [2]

1.2. Psychotria viridis Identification: Back to top

Psychotria viridis, at least in the world of nursery and ayahusaca users, is often poorly identified and often not actually truly P. viridis. THe most common plants sold as Psychotria viridis, that are not actually P. viridis, are Psychotria alba and Psychotria carthagenensis. They do look somwhat similar and they are all used commonly amongst ayahuasca users with desired results. So thus the confusion spreads. There ar hoeever some very easy-to-tell-apart features that should clear much confusion with regard to telling the difference between *these 3 species*.

One should also realize this is a very massive genus of plants, and these characterisitics are perhaps only useful in respect to the 3 species mentioned here, it is not meant as an identification key for a broader index of plants.

* P. viridis infloresence is rather small and not often large than the upper most leaves on the same stem. The stem will stretch relatively long adn have small clumps of usually green coloured flowers. P. alba/P. carthagenensis have large infloresence of white coloured flowers. They form more of a bunch than a "runner" (in appearance).

* P. viridis petiole tend to go right to the base of the leaf whereas P. alba and P. carthagenensis tend to stop short and the leaf base has a what more or less resembles a small stem.

We suggest also taking a look at our page that contains a side by side photo comparison of Psychotria alba, Psychotria carthagenensis and Psychotria viridis. The page can be found on the Ethnobotnaical Identification page or directly at Psychotria photo identification Guide.

2. Method of use : Back to top

In Ayahuasca

The leaves, and sometime soteh rparts of the plants, are one of the traditional ingredients to the South American brew called Ayahuasca. Leaves are added to the "soup" as the source of DMT and another plant, Banisteriopsis caapi is added mainly for its MAOi ability. These 2 plants are what make the framwork of many brews, though there are many variations and many other admixtures which differ for all sorts of reasons.

As an ornamental

Psychotria in general have many ornamental features that make them quite a nice platn to have around. Some have amazing flowers, but most are kept as ornamentals for their lush greenery. Psychotria viridis is also a plant sometimes kept for its lovely green folliage. It is a fairly easy plant to keep around, but dislikes the cold and dry situations. In tropical areas, this plant is very well suited for a container plant or landscape addition. In cold or arid climates, something like a greenhouse may be necessary.

3. The experience: Back to top

4. Toxicity: Back to top

5. Chemistry: Back to top

Please note: Some chemicals may not be listed and some may or may not be toxic. Do not consume plants based on this table, it only gives a general idea of *some* of the chemicals this plant contains.

Chemical Name	Plant part	Quantity	Chemical activities	Referrences

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