SCHULTES R E; HOFMANN A
Vine of the Soul
Plants of the Gods: Origins of hallucinogenic use; p 120
Ayahuasca has many native names: Caapi, Dapa, Mihi, Kahi, Natema, Pinde, Yaje. The drink, employed for prophecy, divination, sorcery, and medical purposes, is so deeply rooted in native mythology and philosophy that there can be no doubt of its great age as a part of aboriginal life. Two closely related species of the malpighiaceous genus Banisteriopsis - B. caapi and B. inebrians - are the most important plants used in preparing Ayahuasca. But other species are apparently used locally on occasion: B. quitensis; Mascagnia glandulifera, M. psilophylla var. antifebrilis; Tetrapteris methystica and T. mucronata. All of these plants are large forest lianas of the same family. Banisteriopsis caapi and B. inebrians are frequently cultivated in order to have a supply close at hand for use. Many plants of diverse families are often added to the basic drink to alter the intoxicating effects. The most commonly used admixtures are leaves of B. rusbyana and of the rubiaceous Psychotria carthaginensis or P. viridis. Other known psychoactive plants, such as Brugmansia suavolens, Brunfelsia chiricaspi, and B. grandiflora, may also be added. Among the many other plants employed are Tobacco; Malounetia tamaquarina and a species of Tabernaemontana of the Apocynaceae; the acanthaceous Teliostachya lanceolata var. crispa or Toe Negra; Calathea veitchiana of the Maranthaceae; the amaranthaceous Alternaria lehmannii and a species of Iresine; several ferns including Lygodium venustum and Lomariopsis japurensis; Phryglanthus eugenoides of the Mistletoe family; the mint Ocimium micranthum; a species of the sedge genus Cyperus; several cacti including species of Opuntia and Epiphylum; and a member of the genus Clusia of the Guttiferae.
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