Heimia myrtifolia
| Heimia myrtifolia | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 8 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 5' |
| Blooms: | Late Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Heimia myrtifolia
Propagation: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest sowing the seed in spring in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots once they are large enough to handle. Grow the young plants on for at least their first winter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer. Mulch the roots well in the autumn to protect them from the cold.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[1].
Cultivation: Easily grown in any well-drained soil in full sun[1]. Especially in the colder areas of the country this plant is best grown against a sunny south or south-west facing wall and given a good mulch of bracken in the winter[1].
The rootstock is fairly hardy in most of Britain, whilst the top growth tolerates temperatures down to about -10 to -15°c[1]. If cut back by severe weather the plant usually grows again from the base[1]. Flowers are produced on the current seasons growth[1]. Plants growing outdoors at Kew Botanical Gardens are cut back by the cold each winter but regrow and flower each year[2].
This species is closely related to H. salicifolia, differing mainly in having smaller flowers[2].
Any pruning is best carried out in early spring by removing excess growth at the base of the plant[1].
Range: S. America - Brazil to Uruguay.
Habitat: Along the sides of streams[3].
Edibility: An intoxicating and euphoric drink is made by crushing the wilted leaves in water and leaving the liquid in a sunny position for three days to ferment[3]. In larger quantities this can induce hallucinations and produces a vision that is typically overcast in yellow[3].
Medicinal: The leaves are antispasmodic, hallucinogenic and sedative[3]. An infusion serves to stabilize the blood pressure and relieve anxiety[3].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
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