Psychotria leiocarpa
Psychotria leiocarpa
Synonyms: Ronabia myodendra, Uragoga psilogyne, Psychotria constricta, Ronabea myodendron, Uragoga constricta, Psychotria nitidula, Psychotria nemorosa var. oblongifolia, Uragoga lagoensis, Psychotria psilogyne, Psychotria tenella, Psychotria leiocarpa var. elliptica, Psychotria leiocarpa var. constricta, Uragoga tenella, Psychotria extratropica, Psychotria leiocarpa f. angustifolia, Uragoga extratropica, Psychotria leiocarpa var. tropica, Psychotria leiocarpa f. latifolia, Psychotria leiocarpa var. intermedia, Psychotria lagoensis, Uragoga nitidula, Psychotria leiocarpa var. genuina, Psychotria leiocarpa var. extratropica, Uragoga leiocarpa
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Botanical Description
Psychotria leiocarpa is an evergreen understory shrub or small tree of the coffee family (Rubiaceae), typically reaching 1-4 m in height. The species is widely distributed in the Neotropics, from Central America through Brazil, Paraguay, and northern Argentina, where it forms a common component of moist Atlantic and Amazonian forest understories. Leaves are opposite, simple, lanceolate to elliptic, glabrous and glossy dark green with conspicuous interpetiolar stipules characteristic of the family. Small white tubular flowers are borne in terminal corymbose inflorescences and develop into shining, smooth red drupes (hence the epithet leiocarpa, 'smooth-fruited') 4-6 mm across, each containing two pyrenes. The species is shade-tolerant and bird-dispersed and is notable in Neotropical pharmacological literature for accumulating monoterpene indole and pyrrolidinoindoline alkaloids in its leaves.
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
None Documented
Chemistry & External Identifiers
Important Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.