Desmanthus illinoensis
Desmanthus illinoensis (commonly known as Illinois bundleflower, prairie-mimosa or prickleweed) is a common plant in many areas of the south central and Midwestern US.
Desmanthus illinoensis | |
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Desmanthus illinoensis | |
Desmanthus illinoensis flower heads | |
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Species: | D. illinoensis |
Binomial name | |
Desmanthus illinoensis (Michx.) MacMill. ex B. L. Rob. & Fernald[1] | |
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Habitat
It can often be found growing on the sides of roads, needing full sun and ample moisture during its short growing season.
USDA Zones 5-8 are recommended for outside cultivation.
Chemistry
Root bark of D. illinoensis has been found to contain N,N-DMT, NMT, N-hydroxy-N-methyltryptamine, 2-hydroxy-N-methyltryptamine, and gramine (toxic).
Nutritional benefits
The plant is nutritious and high in protein.[3]
The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas has done extensive research into the food uses of the seeds of this plant. Studies found the dry seeds composed of 38% protein, compared to 40% for soybeans.[4]
Ayahuasca analogue
The root bark is mixed with a native source of beta-Carbolines (e.g., passion flower in North America) to produce a hallucinogenic drink called prairiehuasca, which is an analog of the shamanic brew ayahuasca.[5]
See also
- Psychedelic plants
- Ethnobotanical
References
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Desmanthus illinoensis. |
- "Desmanthus illinoensis". Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Retrieved 2008-04-27.
- "The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species". Retrieved 26 June 2015.
- Niering, William A.; Olmstead, Nancy C. (1985) [1979]. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers, Eastern Region. Knopf. p. 527. ISBN 0-394-50432-1.
- "Illinois Bundleflower: Prospects For A Perennial Seed Crop". landinstitute.org. Retrieved 2017-05-08.
- Hegnauer, R.; Hegnauer, M. (1996). Caesalpinioideae und Mimosoideae Volume 1 Part 2. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 199. ISBN 9783764351656.