Hi, could anyone please reassure me that the plant I got in the mail is a Psychotria viridis? I bought it from some shady internet shop and who knows what they sent me really?!

The poor thing had to travel. Across water, above the clouds and into my little mail box. It shed its leaves and I replanted it. Then I spotted the little fellow with small green leaves. But even if it survives, can I be sure that it is a P. viridis?

Hi

The leaf and stem structure is very similar to the drawings of Psychotria Viridis in Schultes and Hofmann's book 'The Botany and Chemistry of Hallucinogens'

That is all the info I can give for the moment. I'll see if I can dig any more out for you

Sally
xx

EDIT: After looking at other Psychotria Viridis for comparison, it is probably a good idea to wait until berries or flowers appear upon the plant and go from there
Sorry I couldn't provide more information.

xx

Sallys my friend :-). Thank you for digging in your books and your feedback. Sounds like a good idea to wait for the flowers and berries. Very good to hear that there still is a chance that I have a true P. viridis.

I will keep posting little photos of the plant as it progressed. That will be fun.

It looks a lot like P. viridis, I have a P. nervosa that is almost identical with the exception of the stem color. However, my nervosa's thick, woody stem could be because it is old and well established... I'm not sure what new growth would look like.

No problem Psychotria are the hardest plants to identify, even for an experienced botanist! Have you looked into what the plant needs to flourish? I've heard it needs good sunlight and a misting with water several times a day. Apparently they attract little bugs, so just mix a tiny bit of washing up liquid with water and put in a spray bottle and spray it on the bugs. They hate it!

and keep the pictures coming, watching plants grow over time is so lovely!



Erowids pictures of new growth show the stems to be green. With a plant like P. Viridis, its likely to get a woody stem after time


xxx

Thanks for your feedback! I have not looked into how to make it blossom yet. Its a good idea! I will do it as soon as it is tall enough.