Paullinia cupana / Guarana / Sapindaceae (Soapberry family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Description

Paullinia cupana is a climbing shrub that grows wild in the Amazon regions of Brazil and Uruguay, where it was first used by the Quaramis, a native South American Tribe. Its main function was as a refreshing beverage. Guarana has been used for hundreds of years by Brazilian Indians as a general tonic for the body and as a source of energy. Studies(4) have shown that Guarana helps to reduce mental fatigue and contributes to the body's resistance to stress.

Contents

Guarana seeds contain caffeine 0.9%-7.6% (called guaranine by the german botanist Theodore von Martius who isolated it). They also cantain Adenine, Catechutannic-acid, Choline, D-catechin, Guanine, Hypoxanthine, Mucilage, Saponin, Starch, Tannin, Theobromine, Theophylline, Timbonine, Xanthine (2).

Historical

The uses of this plant by the Amerindians predates the discovery of Brazil. South American Indian tribes (especially the Guaranis, from whence the plant's name is derived) dry and roast the seeds and mix them into a paste with water. They then use it much the same way as chocolate - to prepare various foods, drinks, and medicines. According to a myth dating back to the Sateré-Maué tribe, guarana's domestication originated with a deity killing a beloved village child. In order to console the villagers, a more benevolent god plucked the left eye from the child and planted it in the forest, resulting in the wild variety of guarana. The god then plucked the right eye from the child and planted it in the village, giving rise to domesticated guarana.
Over centuries the many benefits of guaraná have been passed on to explorers and settlers. This plant was introduced to western civilization in the 17th century following its discovery by Father Felip Betendorf. By 1958, guarana was commercialized. Eighty percent of the world's commercial production of guaraná paste is in the middle of the Amazon rainforest in northern Brazil - still performed by the Guarani Indians, who wild-harvest the seeds and process them into paste by hand. (1)(2)

Plant Description

Paullinia Cupana (Paullinia sorbilis) is a climbing, shrubby vine, growing in northern Brazil, in moist, sandy locations. The flexible stem is very long, and takes root readily wherever it touches the ground, so that a single plant often extends over considerable space. In the wild state the vine attaches itself to large trees, and the fruit is difficult to collect, and of small yield; the vine is cultivated without support. The leaves are alternate, stipulate, and consist each of 5 smooth leaflets. The flowers are small, numerous, and disposed in erect, axillary, close panicles; the sepals are 5, the petals are 4, and have each a large pubescent scale on the inside, near the base; the stamens are 8, attached to a thick column. The pistil has a 3-lobed ovary, and a sessile, 3-parted stigma. The fruit is pear-shaped, and generally has a single brownish seed attached to the base, and nearly filling the pericarp. (3)

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Norway

References

(1) Guaraná, Raintree Plant Database
(2) Guarana, Wikipedia
(3) Guarana (U. S. P.)—Guarana. King's American Dispensatory, by Harvey Wickes Felter, M.D., and John Uri Lloyd, Phr. M., Ph. D., 1898
(4) Document: NL E4-0-C-REF, Netherlands Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport

Argyrea nervosa / Hawaiian Baby Woodrose / Convolvulaceae (Bindweed family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Baby Hawaiian Woodrose, Baby Woodrose, Cordon Seda, Coup D'Air, Elephant Creeper, Liane A Minguet, Liane D' Argent, Samudrasokh, Silver Morning Glory, Woolly Morning Glory, Vridha daraka, Samudra Shokha, Bijarka, Samudra phool, Vriddadaru, Samudar sokh, Kadarpalai.

Description

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose (Argyreia nervosa), not to be confused with the Hawaiian woodrose (Merremia tuberosa), is a perennial climbing vine, also known as Elephant Creeper and Woolly Morning Glory. Native to the Indian subcontinent and introduced to numerous areas worldwide, including Hawaii, Africa and the Caribbean, it can be invasive, although is often prized for its aesthetic value. The seeds of the plant contain ergot alkaloids, including the hallucinogenic LSA (ergine), which is a chemical analog of LSD. Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds are sometimes used as a legally obtainable psychedelic, though the legality of consuming the seeds is ambiguous in some jurisdictions.(1)

Contents

The seeds of Argyreia nervosa contain about 0.3% ergot alkaloids, including chanoclavine, lysergol, ergotmetrine and ergine. These are all derivatives of Lysergic acid and most are collectively named lysergic acid amides (LSA). LSD (Lysergic Acid Diiethylamide) is also a lysergic acid amide and although resembling the natural lysergic acid amides both in structure and and pharmacological activity, it has not been found in nature.

Historical

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds have been used ethnobotanically in the Pacific Islands by certain high priests to induce communication with the spiritual world. The plant is a rare example of a hallucinogenic herb, the properties of which have only recently been discovered. While its cousins in the Convolvulaceae family, such as the Rivea corymbosa (Ololiuhqui) and Ipomoea violacea (Tlitliltzin or Morning Glory) were used in shamanic rituals of Latin America for centuries, the Hawaiian baby woodrose was not traditionally recognised as a hallucinogen. Its properties were first brought to attention in the 1960s, despite the fact that the chemical composition of its seeds is near identical to those of the two species mentioned above, and in fact contain the highest concentration of psychoactive compounds in the entire family. The hallucinogenic properties of the seeds became known mainly through their use in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, where impoverished members of the population would consume the seeds, seeking a "cheap buzz" as an alternative to alcohol. A sample made its way to Albert Hofmann, the discoverer of LSD, who confirmed the effects and analysed its chemical composition.

Health Warnings

The "furry" outer skin of the seeds purportedly contains cyanogenic glycosides, also found in the pits of most fruit, such as apples and apricots, the ingestion of which is the likely cause of nausea reported by those who have eaten the seeds. Many of the ergot alkaloids can cause constriction of bloodvessels, which may result in necrosis of the tissue and gangrene in humans and animals in excessive doses.

Plant Description

Beautiful woody, flowering vine that grows well in full sun on a trellis. The leaves are large, downy and have velvety white hairs. The flowers are purple on the inside fading lighter at the ends. The seed pods dry into woody "roses" which hold one to four seeds.

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose has a very tough seed coat and nicking aids in germination a lot. Take very sharp scissors and make a shallow snip away from the germ eye, just piercing the seed coat. Alterinateivly you can take a file a file away a bit, again away from the germ eye. Some people recomend pouring boiling water over the freshly nicked seeds, and to let them sit over night, but this is not nessecery. Plant in free draining soil (HBWR is somewhat susceptible to rot). In any event if the seeds are good germination should occur in less than a week.
The plant does not like a lot of light when it is young. Put the seedlings in direct light every day until they show some signs of wilting, then take them out. This way the seedlings are getting the maximum amount of sunlight they can handle and soon adapt to it and pump out as much growth as possible. Alternitively you can start them off outside in pots in full sun. This way they will adapt to lots of light very quickly, again take them out of the sun when they show signs of wilting.
Keep soil moist but not wet. Still make sure to water regularly. If they remain dry to long they will start to wilt and appear to have gotten too much sun. It is, unlike its close relative Morning Glory, a very slow grower, and can take up to two years to even reach a foot tall. Feed the plants regularly with fertilizer (20,20,20), which they seem to respond well to. Any fertilizer will do. Also worm castings is reccomended when younger. Whatever you use just make sure to start off with half the recomended strength.
Good luck with it if you dont live in a tropical climate. The most important factor in getting them to flower is ensuring enough space for the roots. HBWR gets potbound very easily after its first year or so of growth... you think shes barely growing but it seems to focus its energy on growing roots.

Legal Remarks

This product is illegal or somehow problematic to send to the following countries. Click on the country link for further information.

• Poland
• Australia
• Romania
• Russia
• Italy
• Croatia
• Lithuania
• Estonia
• Finland
• Norway

References

(1) Wikipedia
Erowid Herb Vault

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Ergot
Lysergic acid

Cannabis sativa / Hemp / Cannabinaceae (Hemp family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Ormosia amazonica / Huayruro / Leguminosae (Pea family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Huairuro, Huayruro,

Description

To add color to their beadwork, Indians use various species of Ormosia which they call Huayruro. Its natural bright red and black coloring, and hard long lasting character make it a classic among good luck seeds. It is sometimes even mounted in gold settings such as tribal ornaments and Jewelry. About the size of a chickpea, when drilled and threaded into beadwork, Huayruro adds highlights to the piece. For solid reds, craftsmen select Ormosia macrocalyx while O. Amazonica, called "Huayruro Macho", yields a striking bead half red and half black. The seeds grow in a pod on tall trees in the rainforest. Usually collected from the jungle floor having fallen from the high branches. Even though it is very poisonous if chewed, it is the all time favourite good luck seed. It is allways carried by locals somewhere on their bodies, and put on children and babies in the form of a little bracelet. It is reputed to ward off any kind of bad luck, to protect one from jinxes, and keep away the evil eye. Often Huayruro seeds are found in glass jars adding a bit of color to the modest homes in the jungle. The seeds are a symbol of good luck and abundance in the Inca culture.

Historical

The name "Huayruro" derives from the seed of the Huayruro plant ( Ormosia sp .) that grows in the Amazon rainforest. This seed is characterized by being part red and part black, visually suggesting complementary and duality. Perhaps due to this unusual natural characteristic there has been the belief among Peruvians that these seeds have the dual power to attract good fortune and ward off evil spirits. As such, it is widely used in a variety of accessories for body adornment.

Health Warnings

Toxic! Please keep out of mouth.
However safe to wear on skin.

Plant Description

Amazonian tree grows until at least 40m tall.

Ormosia amazonica / Huayruro / Leguminosae (Pea family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Huairuro, Huayruro,

Description

To add color to their beadwork, Indians use various species of Ormosia which they call Huayruro. Its natural bright red and black coloring, and hard long lasting character make it a classic among good luck seeds. It is sometimes even mounted in gold settings such as tribal ornaments and Jewelry. About the size of a chickpea, when drilled and threaded into beadwork, Huayruro adds highlights to the piece. For solid reds, craftsmen select Ormosia macrocalyx while O. Amazonica, called "Huayruro Macho", yields a striking bead half red and half black. The seeds grow in a pod on tall trees in the rainforest. Usually collected from the jungle floor having fallen from the high branches. Even though it is very poisonous if chewed, it is the all time favourite good luck seed. It is allways carried by locals somewhere on their bodies, and put on children and babies in the form of a little bracelet. It is reputed to ward off any kind of bad luck, to protect one from jinxes, and keep away the evil eye. Often Huayruro seeds are found in glass jars adding a bit of color to the modest homes in the jungle. The seeds are a symbol of good luck and abundance in the Inca culture.

Historical

The name "Huayruro" derives from the seed of the Huayruro plant ( Ormosia sp .) that grows in the Amazon rainforest. This seed is characterized by being part red and part black, visually suggesting complementary and duality. Perhaps due to this unusual natural characteristic there has been the belief among Peruvians that these seeds have the dual power to attract good fortune and ward off evil spirits. As such, it is widely used in a variety of accessories for body adornment.

Health Warnings

Toxic! Please keep out of mouth.
However safe to wear on skin.

Plant Description

Amazonian tree grows until at least 40m tall.

Ormosia amazonica / Huayruro / Leguminosae (Pea family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Huairuro, Huayruro,

Description

To add color to their beadwork, Indians use various species of Ormosia which they call Huayruro. Its natural bright red and black coloring, and hard long lasting character make it a classic among good luck seeds. It is sometimes even mounted in gold settings such as tribal ornaments and Jewelry. About the size of a chickpea, when drilled and threaded into beadwork, Huayruro adds highlights to the piece. For solid reds, craftsmen select Ormosia macrocalyx while O. Amazonica, called "Huayruro Macho", yields a striking bead half red and half black. The seeds grow in a pod on tall trees in the rainforest. Usually collected from the jungle floor having fallen from the high branches. Even though it is very poisonous if chewed, it is the all time favourite good luck seed. It is allways carried by locals somewhere on their bodies, and put on children and babies in the form of a little bracelet. It is reputed to ward off any kind of bad luck, to protect one from jinxes, and keep away the evil eye. Often Huayruro seeds are found in glass jars adding a bit of color to the modest homes in the jungle. The seeds are a symbol of good luck and abundance in the Inca culture.

Historical

The name "Huayruro" derives from the seed of the Huayruro plant ( Ormosia sp .) that grows in the Amazon rainforest. This seed is characterized by being part red and part black, visually suggesting complementary and duality. Perhaps due to this unusual natural characteristic there has been the belief among Peruvians that these seeds have the dual power to attract good fortune and ward off evil spirits. As such, it is widely used in a variety of accessories for body adornment.

Health Warnings

Toxic! Please keep out of mouth.
However safe to wear on skin.

Plant Description

Amazonian tree grows until at least 40m tall.

Ormosia amazonica / Huayruro / Leguminosae (Pea family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Huairuro, Huayruro,

Description

To add color to their beadwork, Indians use various species of Ormosia which they call Huayruro. Its natural bright red and black coloring, and hard long lasting character make it a classic among good luck seeds. It is sometimes even mounted in gold settings such as tribal ornaments and Jewelry. About the size of a chickpea, when drilled and threaded into beadwork, Huayruro adds highlights to the piece. For solid reds, craftsmen select Ormosia macrocalyx while O. Amazonica, called "Huayruro Macho", yields a striking bead half red and half black. The seeds grow in a pod on tall trees in the rainforest. Usually collected from the jungle floor having fallen from the high branches. Even though it is very poisonous if chewed, it is the all time favourite good luck seed. It is allways carried by locals somewhere on their bodies, and put on children and babies in the form of a little bracelet. It is reputed to ward off any kind of bad luck, to protect one from jinxes, and keep away the evil eye. Often Huayruro seeds are found in glass jars adding a bit of color to the modest homes in the jungle. The seeds are a symbol of good luck and abundance in the Inca culture.

Historical

The name "Huayruro" derives from the seed of the Huayruro plant ( Ormosia sp .) that grows in the Amazon rainforest. This seed is characterized by being part red and part black, visually suggesting complementary and duality. Perhaps due to this unusual natural characteristic there has been the belief among Peruvians that these seeds have the dual power to attract good fortune and ward off evil spirits. As such, it is widely used in a variety of accessories for body adornment.

Health Warnings

Toxic! Please keep out of mouth.
However safe to wear on skin.

Plant Description

Amazonian tree grows until at least 40m tall.

Ormosia amazonica / Huayruro / Leguminosae (Pea family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Huairuro, Huayruro,

Description

To add color to their beadwork, Indians use various species of Ormosia which they call Huayruro. Its natural bright red and black coloring, and hard long lasting character make it a classic among good luck seeds. It is sometimes even mounted in gold settings such as tribal ornaments and Jewelry. About the size of a chickpea, when drilled and threaded into beadwork, Huayruro adds highlights to the piece. For solid reds, craftsmen select Ormosia macrocalyx while O. Amazonica, called "Huayruro Macho", yields a striking bead half red and half black. The seeds grow in a pod on tall trees in the rainforest. Usually collected from the jungle floor having fallen from the high branches. Even though it is very poisonous if chewed, it is the all time favourite good luck seed. It is allways carried by locals somewhere on their bodies, and put on children and babies in the form of a little bracelet. It is reputed to ward off any kind of bad luck, to protect one from jinxes, and keep away the evil eye. Often Huayruro seeds are found in glass jars adding a bit of color to the modest homes in the jungle. The seeds are a symbol of good luck and abundance in the Inca culture.

Historical

The name "Huayruro" derives from the seed of the Huayruro plant ( Ormosia sp .) that grows in the Amazon rainforest. This seed is characterized by being part red and part black, visually suggesting complementary and duality. Perhaps due to this unusual natural characteristic there has been the belief among Peruvians that these seeds have the dual power to attract good fortune and ward off evil spirits. As such, it is widely used in a variety of accessories for body adornment.

Health Warnings

Toxic! Please keep out of mouth.
However safe to wear on skin.

Plant Description

Amazonian tree grows until at least 40m tall.

Ocotea quixos / Ishpingo / Lauraceae (Laurel family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Flor de la Canela, Ishpingo, Roble Americano, Canela.

Description

Ishpingo is the Quechua word for the native Ecuadorian "Cinnamon" tree Ocotea quixos (Lauraceae), found only in a small region of Amazonian Ecuador and Colombia. It is in the same family (Lauraceae) as the common Cinnamon and has a similar aroma. It has been used locally as a spice and flavoring agent since pre-European times.

Scent

The aroma closely resembles that of Cinnamon.

Contents

The essential oil of Ishpingo fruit calices contains trans-cinnamaldehyde (27.9%), methylcinnamate (21.6%), 1,8-cineole (8.0%), benzaldehyde (3.6%), and β-selinene (2.1%).

Historical

Among the three South American Lauraceae with cinnamon odours, Ocotea quixos Lam. is distinguished with the richest historical legacy. In the 16th century, a large Spanish expedition perished, almost down to the last man, while searching for the origin of this spice.
In the foothills of the Amazon region it has been heavily exploited for its timber. Its bark is used in herbal medicine. Ishpingo has also been used in tea and flavoring.

Plant Description

Tree with lanceolate leaves. Slow growing when young. Only about 6 inches a year for the 1st 2 or 3 years. Leaves have a very pleasant smell like Dentene gum. Bark can be harvested like cinnamon. Seeds are about 3/4 inch in diamter. The tree can be found in the foothills and the Amazon basin of Colombia and Ecuador, from sea level up to 1000m in altitude.

References

Chemical composition and biological activities of Ishpingo essential oil, a traditional Ecuadorian spice from Ocotea quixos (Lam.) Kosterm. (Lauraceae) flower calices
Geographic Spice Index, Gernot Katzer's Spice Pages
Ocotea quixos, American cinnamon, J Ethnopharmacol

Prosopis chilensis / Mesquite / Leguminosae (Pea family)

Information

This product is not sold or intended for the purpose of human consumption or cosmetic use. Any information provided about this product on this website, including any links to external websites, are solely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and must not be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the product. The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and the product is not intended to "diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease." The use and application of this product, based on the historical and scientific context provided in the product descriptions and articles, is solely at the customer's risk. This product is a botanical specimen of ethnographic value and interest only and is delivered with no express or implied fitness for any purpose. The product descriptions are compiled from sources we deemed to be reliable up to the date it was written but may contain omissions or errors in fact, or become outdated. It outlines the documented history of uses but should no way be construed to make any medical claims about the ability or efficacy of any of these plants to treat, prevent or mitigate any disease or condition. Although a plant may have a long history of being used for a particular purpose, scientific evidence proving its efficacy for that purpose may be lacking.

Other Names

Mesquite, Latin-American Carob, Algarrobo de Chile, Chilean Mesquite

Description

Prosopis chilensis is a leguminous tree, found mainly in central Chile and southern Peru. It is grown as an ornamental or for timber, used in doors, floors, shoes, etc. The plant is sometimes consumed by domestic livestock but it has little value as fodder. The fruit is used in herbal medicine. Like other Mesquites the pods and seeds are ground into a flour used as taste and nutrient-enhancer, in bars, cookies, breads, smoothies, ice-cream, etc.

Scent

A combination of sweet Vanilla and fresh Tobacco.

Contents

Oil (2.5-6.6%), protein (29.2–38.6%), ash (3.1-4.6%). The seed lipids contained a relatively large proportion of unsaturated fatty acids with linoleic acid as predominant. (2)

Plant Description

Prosopis is a genus of about 45 species of leguminous spiny trees and shrubs found in subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas, Africa and southwest Asia. Prosopis chilensis is native to Chile and Peru. It grows to no more than 3-10m in hight and 6dm in diameter. It develops large adventitious roots. The bark is reddish brown, branches with of thorns at each node. The tree is tolerant to draught, salt and sand and has a very efficient water consumption, producing most of the fruit in years of draught. It doesn't tolerate frost. In Chile it is very common in grasslands. (1)

References

(1) Prosopis chilensis, Wikipedia (Spanish)
(2) Seed chemical variation is Prosopis chilensis from Argentina, Genetic Resources and Crop Evolution

Articles

Any information provided about products on this website, including any links to external websites, is purely intended for historical, scientific and educational purposes and should never be interpreted as a recommendation for a specific use of the products.

Prosopis chilensis - Wikipedia