| Sameruca | |
| Psychotria carthaginensis |
see more pictures of the Sameruca
Pretty, ornamental shrub native to South America. Probably best known for its use in conjunction with other plants as a medicinal or hallucinogenic drug.
Description: A fairly small, bushy shrub, generally only a few feet high.
Hardiness: Hardy to some frost.
Growing Environment: The plant
seems to be fairly hardy, and grows nicely in full sun. Will grow in subtropical
or tropical climates and needs only moderate humidity to flower and fruit.
Water fairly regularly.
Propagation: By seeds.
Uses: Leaves are used along with P. viridis to make a psychoactive drug in parts of South America. However, several recent scientific tests on P. carthaginensis have found no alkaloid chemicals in the plant, so its traditional use is probably little more than ceremonial in nature. Also note that the active chemical (DMT), found in its relative P. viridis is a potentially dangerous compound if taken improperly. Its use is banned in most countries.
Native Range: Native to the Amazon region in South America.