SafePlants

Banisteriopsis caapi: The Ayahuasca Vine

Banisteriopsis caapi, commonly known as ayahuasca, caapi, or yage, is a significant South American vine with a rich history and cultural importance.

Considerations for Pets

• This is a woody vine.
• It produces 3-winged maple-like fruit.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Banisteriopsis caapi
• Common Names: Ayahuasca, Caapi, Yage, Kahpi, Yag, Yaje, Natema, Natem, Datem, Pinde, Hoasca, Kahi Da
• Family: Malpighiaceae
• Kingdom: Plantae
• Synonym: Banisteriopsis inebrians Morton

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to the Amazon basin, primarily found in Brazil, Colombia, and Peru.
• Specifically mentioned as growing in Amazonian Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, and western Brazil.
• Grows as a jungle vine in South America and is also referred to as a perennial vine native to the Amazon Rainforest.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A South American liana (woody vine).
• Enormous in size.
• Produces tiny pink flowers and a 3-winged maple-like fruit.
• Perennial vine.

Traditional Uses

• The foremost ingredient of ayahuasca, a traditional medicinal tea from the Amazon region.
• Used to prepare ayahuasca, a South American Indian psychoactive potion.
• Some tribes use Caapi, which contains MAOI alkaloids, on its own.

Quirky Facts

• The vine itself is also called ayahuasca.
• It has at least 42 indigenous names.
• Some strains have mystical spirits that dwell within.

Ecological Role

• Mentioned as being wild-harvested.

Chemical Composition

• Contains harmine and other harmala alkaloids in its stems.
• Contains MAOI alkaloids.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Used in conjunction with Psychotria viridis (or Syrian rue) to create ayahuasca.

Additional Information

• The vine is sustainably and ethically wild-harvested by local tribespeople.