Tabernaemontana sananho / Shiric Sanango / Apocynaceae (Dogbane Family)

Information

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Other Names

Sanango, Lobo sanango, Toomecocoriu, Uchu sanango

Description

A tree with beautiful flowers from the Amazon. In it`s native environment T. sananho is used medicinally by several tribes with various usages. Many tribes consider the plant sacred and shamans often plant it in their gardens. This visionary plant is used by shamans and curanderos in the potion Ayahuasca, in special initiation ceremonies, and for bad luck. The plant is also an ingredient in arrow poisons.

Scent

This close relative of Gardenias has a powerful fragrance which is many times stronger than Gardenias and other Tabernaemontanas. A single open flower will scent a large commercial greenhouse and will overpower any other fragrance present. One placed outside could be smelled well over 100 yards away! The fragrance is absolutely intoxicating!

Contents

Phytochemical research on the genus Tabernaemontana has revealed that Indole alkaloids are the primary constituent, in some even ibogaine and voacangine have been ascertained. (1)

Historical

"In the Amazon, the Sanango (Tabernaemontana sananho R. et P.) is considered a panacea. The leaves, roots, and the latex-rich bark are used in folk medicine. The tree grows as tall as 15ft (5m). The leaves are used as a psychoactive additive to Ayahuasca. It is used in combination with Virola in the production of an orally effective hallucinogen. In the Amazon, Sanango is also considered a 'memory plant.' Ayahuasca is enhanced with it in order that the visions can be better recalled."(1)

Plant Description

Tabernaemontana is a genus of 100-110 species of flowering plants in the family Apocynaceae, with a pan-tropical distribution. They are shrubs and small trees growing to 1-15 m tall. The leaves are evergreen, opposite, 3-25 cm long, with milky sap. The flowers are fragrant, 1-5 cm diameter and consist of five pointed petals that mostly grow in clusters out of the calyx. The two symmetrical fruits are divided and marked with fairly visible veins. Because of this, they are easily confused with the testes of a mammal. (1)(2)
Tabernaemontana sananho is native to Northern South America. It has large, attractive, glossy leaves. The flowers are white with a touch of yellow in the center. They have a deep nectar tube with 5 long petals which spiral from the center like ribbons.

References

(1) Plants of the Gods, by Richard Evans Schultes and Albert Hofmann
(2) Tabernaemontana, Wikipedia