Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Sameruca. Please visit our seed store to view current selections.

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.

Related Species

Rubiaceae
	Alibertia edulis Marmelada		Coffea arabica Coffee
	Coffea canephora Robusta Coffee		Coffea fadenii Coffea fadenii
	Coffea liberica Liberian Coffee		Coffea mongensis Coffea mongensis
	Deppea splendens Golden Fuchsia		Gardenia thunbergia White Gardenia
	Genipa americana Genip		Genipa infudibuliformes Smooth Genip
	Ixora coccinea Ixora		Morinda citrifolia Noni
	Posoqueria latifolia Needle Flower Tree		Psychotria carthaginensis Sameruca
	Randia aculeata White Indigoberry		Randia fitzalanii Yellow Mangosteen
	Randia formosa Blackberry Jam Fruit		Sarcocephalus xanthoxylon Ndea