Description
Argyreia nervosa | Hawaiian BabyWoodRose
We know little about the use of this plant in particular as a traditional medicine. But interestingly, its sister plants, Rivea corymbosa (ololiuqui) and Ipomoea tricolor (tlitliltzin) are well-known. The chemical components of these three species are very similar.
Habitat
Argyreia nervosa or Elephant creeper is a perennial climbing vine. Although regarded as an invasive species, it is certainly a beautiful plant. People believe it is native to India, but now it grows in other areas such as Hawaii, Africa and the Caribbean.
In the proper environment, the vine can reach a height of 10 meters. The Hawaiian Baby Woodrose has large trumpet-shaped leaves with velvet-like hairs. The flowers are purple in colour, fading to a lovely lavender colour towards the opening of the flower. The furry seeds are inside the seedpods. Typically, there are four to six seeds in each pod.
Warning
The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has made a risk assessment and warns to not consume these seeds.
The following text comes from the RIVM:
The use of these seeds is unsafe. They can cause hallucinogenic effects, nausea, vomiting, elevated heart rate, elevated blood pressure, (severe) fatigue and lethargy. These health effects can occur even when the seeds are consumed at the recommended dose. This is the conclusion of a risk assessment performed by RIVM.
source: https://www.rivm.nl/bibliotheek/rapporten/2019-0210.pdf
