Psychotria carthagenensis – Sameruca (plant)

Description

A member of the Rubiaceae family, Psychotria carthagenensis is a neotropical species widely distributed in Brazil, and occurs in all of the phytogeographic domains of that country. It is popularly known as “cafeeiro-do-mato”, “erva-de-rato-branca”, and “carne-de-vaca”, and its leaves are used for medicinal purposes in the Amazon and as a component of Ayahuasca. Psychotria carthagenensis is popularly known as “Yaku-bushiklla” and”Chakruna” in Peru, and its leaf decoction is used as depurative (purifying blood) and also against rheumatism (Pharmacobotanical study of Psychotria carthagenensis Jacq. (Rubiaceae), a species known as toxic and medicinal. Article available from ResearchGate.)

Several reports have failed to find any alkaloids present in P. carthagenensis but they have shown in animal studies that extracts have an effect on the CNS.

Care and Cultivation of Psychotria carthagenensis

Psychotria carthagenensis are relatively fast growing plants that flower after 1-2 years. They prefer a part shade position that is moist and well drained; think of the rainforest understory where they live. 1-2m tall. More tolerant of cold conditions than Psychotria viridis. Fertilise moderately over the warmer months and provide adequate water.

Psychotria viridis or hybrids such as ‘Nexus’ can be grafted onto this species for faster growth and more cold tolerance.

1 plant