This species is closely related to Heimia myrtifolia, differing mainly in having larger flowers[].

Common Name: Sinicuichi

General Information

Heimia salicifolia is an erect, much-branched, deciduous shrub growing from 0.5 - 3 metres tall. In cool climates the plant does not fully ripen its stems and these die back to the ground each year. New growth up to 1.5 metres tall is then produced from the base each year[].
The plant has a wide reputation in the Americas as a folk medicine for treating a range of complaints. It is often harvested from the wild for local use and is also sold in local markets. The plant is also often used to make an intoxicating drink[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, Bolivia; C. America - El Salvador, Guatemala to Mexico, New Mexico and Texas; Caribbean - Jamaica.

Habitat

Along the sides of streams and in wet soils[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Heimia salicifolia is a plant mainly found in subtropical regions, though it is also found in the tropics usually at elevations above 600 metres. It is somewhat frost-tolerant, and can withstand short periods with temperatures falling to around -10 to -15°c[]. It can be grown outdoors in warmer parts of the temperate zone, growing well in a sheltered position at Cambridge Botanic Gardens (hardiness zone 7) where it flowers freely most years. The plant will often resprout from the base if the top growth is cut back by cold11, ].
Easily grown in any well-drained soil in full sun[]. Especially in the cooler areas of the temperate zone this plant is best grown against a sunny wall and given a good mulch of bracken in the winter in order to protect its roots[].
Any pruning is best carried out in early spring by removing excess growth at the base of the plant[].

Edible Uses

An intoxicating and euphoric drink is made by crushing the wilted leaves in water and leaving the liquid in a sunny position for three days to ferment[]. In larger quantities this can induce hallucinations and produces a vision that is typically overcast in yellow[].
The plant contains various alkaloids, including vertine and lythrine, which are considered to be responsible for any hallucinogenic activity[].

There have been very few human-based trials on the alleged hallucinogenic properties of this plant. Considering an earlier human study using the aerial parts of the plant in 1896, and the results of a trial in 1998 with the extracted alkaloids vertine and lythrine, it is the opinion of the present authors that the alleged psychodysleptic effect of this plant must be due to the ethanol content of the native brews and/or their fortification with another sinicuichi, perhaps the seeds of Rhynchosia praecatoria[]..

Medicinal

The leaves are antispasmodic antisyphilitic, astringent, emetic, diuretic, febrifuge, haemostatic, hallucinogenic, laxative, sedative, sudorific, tonic and vulnerary[, , ]. The plant is employed most commonly to treat syphilitic affections[].
An infusion serves to stabilize the blood pressure and relieve anxiety[]. It is said to have a sedative action that depresses activity of the central nervous system and reduces anxiety and induces sleep[] It is said to induce a state of serene calmness[].
A paste made from the leaves and stems is an effective vulnerary and is used to treat wounds and skin problems[]. A decoction of the plant is employed as a wash to relieve the effects of poison ivy (Rhus toxicodendron)[]. It is also recommended to treat myaigia in the aged and after strenuous physical work and as a post partum bath[].

The leaves are said to contain 9% of a bitter principle, nesine, and about 14% of a resin, the latter being the active principle[]. If the juice or a decoction of the plant is taken internally it is said to produce a mild and pleasant intoxication, during which all objects seen appear to be yellow[].

Two other Heimia species are found in the New World:-
Heimia myrtifolia Cham .& Schlecht. is found in Argentina and southeastern Brazil, whilst Heimia monrana (Griseb.) Lillo is found in the mid-elevation forest zone of southern Bolivia and northern Argentina. Expert knowledge is required to differentiate these species from Heimia salicifolia. It is logical, therefore, to assume that ail three species may have been used interchangeably in folk medicine[]. Their alkaloidal composition has been studied using semiquantitative TLC methods and, while the differences appear to be more quantitative than qualitative, the three species are chemically distinct[].

Other Uses

The plant can be rubbed on the body to repel flies and other insects[]

Propagation

Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. Grow the young plants on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer. Mulch the roots well in the autumn to protect them from the cold.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[].