Heimia salicifolia
hachinal, shrubby yellowcrest, sinicuiche
narrowly 4-winged or 4-angled.
15–55[–87] × 2–10 mm.
globose, 3–4.5 × 3.5–5.5 mm.
0.5–0.8 × 0.2–0.3 mm.
tube 5–9 × 3–4 mm;
epicalyx segments linear-corniform, 2–2.5 mm, apex often in-curved;
sepals 1.5–2 × 1.5 mm;
petals broadly obovate, 5–10(–14) × 3–5 mm.
= 16 (Mexico, Bolivia).
Heimia salicifolia
Heimia salicifolia has an extensive native distribution from northern Argentina to southeastern Texas, with a gap in Central America. The species is employed in Mexico and parts of South America in traditional medicine and religious rites to induce mild auditory and visionary hallucinogenic effects. The array of medicinal applications also includes use as a strong anti-inflammatory, soporific, diuretic, and antisyphilitic, and for healing wounds. The effects obtained are due to the synergy of alkaloids present in the leaves (M. H. Malone and A. Rother 1994).
(Discussion copyrighted by Flora of North America; reprinted with permission.)
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