The name Ayahuasca means as much as "Vine of the Spirits, Vine of Souls."
Banisteriopsis caapi, also known as Yagé or Ayahuasca, grows in several lignified main sprouts with oval, slightly pointed leaves, and pale pink blossoms. The blossoms of the vine can, however, only be seen rarely as it doesn't bloom often.
In its tropical home, it can reach a length of up to 50 metres while it indeed also reaches a length growth of 5 metres in pot culture.
All parts of the fast-growing vine contain the alcaloids Harmine and Harmaline and the consumption of the plant can have psychoactive effects. In the traditional medicine of Columbia, Brazil, and in the whole Amazon region, the stem of the plant is, together with the leaves of Psychotria viridis, also called Chacruna, processed into the Ayahuasca drink. Also in shamanism, the drink plays a significant part. Therefore, the tropical vine has already been used for centuries.
Banisteriopsis caapi seeds, content: Approx. 5 Ayahuasca seeds
Growing advice
| Sowing depth: |
1 cm |
| When to sow outdoors: |
|
| Germination time: |
2-6 weeks |
| Germination temperature: |
22-28°C |
| Planting distance: |
75 cm |
| Sunlight: |
Shade |
Banisteriopsis caapi is a tropical plant for the greenhouse. It requires relatively high humidity to grow. The seeds germinate best when they are first sown in sand. Later the seedlings should be transplanted in soil, coco soil is especially suitable, for example. The plant can withstand colder temperatures, but no frost.
Other names
| Botanical name: |
Banisteriopsis caapi, B. inebrians, B. quietensis |
| German names: |
Ayahuasca |
| French names: |
Ayahuasca |
| English names: |
Ayahuasca, Yagé, Caapi |
| Spanish names: |
Ayahuasca, Yagé, Caapi, Yagugue, Mariri, Pildé |
| Italian names: |
Yagè, Ayahuasca, Capii |
