Psychotria carthagenensis

Jacq.

Sayaca-iba, Sanhacaiba

Rubiaceae Edible: Fruit 1,039 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Psychotria carthagenensis, also known as amyruca, is a South American rainforest understory shrub from the coffee family, Rubiaceae. It grows from the tropics of South America to Mexico. The plant is used in the preparation of the ayahuasca decoction.

Description

A subtropical shrub growing 50 cm to 2.5 m tall.

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Edible Uses

The fruit is edible.

Medicinal Uses

A study in 1972 based in gas chromatography–mass spectrometry method determined the presence of the alkaloids N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT), N-monomethyltryptamine (MMT) and 2-methyl-1,2,3,4-Tetrahydro-β-carboline (MTHC) in the leaves. In a study in 1994 on ethanol extracts of the leaves showed negative results for the presence of alkaloids. Later, a phytochemical analysis in 2022 on aqueous extracts of the leaves demonstrated the presences of alkaloids.

Distribution

It is a subtropical plant.

Where It Grows

Bolivia, Brazil, South America,

Cultivation

Succeeds in full sun to fairly dense, dappled shade. Plants are tolerant of a wide range of soil types and moisture levels. A slow-growing plant, even when young.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A low germination rate can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 60 - 80 days.

Other Uses

The wood is medium-textured, straight-grained, moderately heavy, slightly susceptible to the attacks of wood-eating organisms. Because of its generally small size, it is only used for purposes such as rural constructions, boards in general, toys, window and door frames, and boxes.