Yage (Banisteriopsis caapi)

Family: Malpighiaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Yage, Banisteriopsis caapi, is a large climbing shrub with woody stems up to 30 m long. It can be grown indoors but requires consistently moist soil. A hallucinogenic beverage can be obtained from Yage's bark, leaves and twigs. The plant is emetic and purgative, and at low doses used as a mild detoxifier. It also contains an alkaloid which has a strongly stimulatory action on the nervous system.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves, Shoots, Roots/Tubers, Bark/Inner Bark

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The bark, leaves and twigs are the source of a beverage that is hallucinogenic (see medical properties below). — The bark, leaves and twigs are the source of a beverage that is hallucinogenic (see medical properties below).

Habitat & North American Range

Rainforest. (Zone 10)