Seminole balsamo
Psychotria nervosa
Synonyms: Psychotria hirta, Uragoga elongata, Psychotria nervosa var. lanceolata, Psychotria nervosa subsp. rufescens, Myrstiphyllum undatum, Psychotria horizontalis, Psychotria quiniifolia, Psychotria portoricensis, Psychotria chimarrhoides, Uragoga granadensis, Uragoga undata, Psychotria granadensis, Psychotria nervosa var. hirta, Psychotria undulata, Psychotria undata, Psychotria fadyenii, Psychotria nervosa var. rufescens, Bertiera ferrugrinea, Psychotria rufescens var. hirta, Psychotria rufescens var. haenkeana, Uragoga oligotricha, Psychotria rufescens var. ferruginea, Psychotria rufescens, Psychotria oligotricha, Uragoga undulata, Psychotria undata var. poitaei, Psychotria undata var. chimarrhoides, Uragoga rufescens
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Botanical Description
Psychotria nervosa, commonly called wild coffee or Seminole balsamo, is an evergreen shrub of the madder family native to subtropical hammocks, coastal forests and pine flatwoods of the southeastern United States (especially Florida), the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. It typically grows 1-3 m tall, with slender, much-branched stems. The opposite leaves are perhaps its most striking feature: elliptic to oblong-lanceolate, 6-15 cm long, dark glossy green and deeply impressed by parallel lateral veins that give the upper surface a corrugated or quilted appearance, with conspicuous interpetiolar stipules at the nodes. Small white, tubular five-lobed flowers are borne in terminal cymes, mainly in spring and early summer. These are followed by clusters of fleshy, bright red, ellipsoid drupes 6-10 mm long that resemble small coffee cherries, persist well into winter, and are eagerly taken by birds. It is closely related to true coffee (Coffea).
Cultural & Historical Context
Traditional American Uses
Psychotria nervosa is used in folk medicine in the Caribbean and parts of tropical America. In Cuba and elsewhere it is known as palo balsamo or balsamo, and a decoction of the leaves and roots is taken as a remedy for colds, coughs, bronchial congestion and for kidney complaints (Roig y Mesa, 1974). The seeds, although resembling coffee, are not used for that purpose.
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.