So what would constitute a new strain? Let's say I had some Hawaiian strain seeds a few years ago and grew some in North America, then the plant became massive and produced its own seeds. Would this still be considered the Hawaiian strain, or could I re name it to my own liking? Or would I have to grow several generations of plants in order to claim a new strain? Just seems to me like the seeds from such plants will be somewhat different, as the plant is growing in different soil conditions, in a different climate and with different intent. And btw, the original seeds where quite strong, that's really the reason I decided to try growing it.

Perhaps I could find someone else who accomplished this in North America and crossbreed the seeds that both of our plants produced.

It would take time, but perhaps strains could be produced that can survive colder conditions than where I live. Either way the plant has demonstrated that it can live through freezes and frosts, and stay green all winter while doing it. And it can survive hard freezes as well, although in this case the leaves become damaged.

So anyway, what would constitute a new strain?

Strains are not really an "official" taxonomic ranking, afaik, as you are essentially talking about something that would be ranked below a species (or variety/subspecies) and deals solely with a genetic subset of the species in question.

"A strain is a designated group of offspring that are either descended from a modified plant (produced by conventional breeding or by biotechnological means), or which result from genetic mutation."

So ultimately, you would need to modify and control the genetics, afaik, in order to lay claim to a strain. And even then, it's more relevant to "folk botany" than anything else and likely wouldn't be acknowledged by any official botanical system.

The real problem with HBWR is getting it to set seed outside of the tropics. They are reluctant to flower but they will do it, but I've never heard of anyone getting them to seed including myself, and believe me I've tried.

Once you get past that hurdle then you can consider what to call it.

Well it's blooming now. I basically haven't "tried" anything other than giving it a very large space to grow and rather large structure to climb, it's a VERY large plant now. I feel like my climate is suitable, as the vine tends to retain its foliage all year, although it doesn't really actively grow for ~2 months in the winter time. So we have about 3 months until then so we'll see.

I hope though that it will set seed, as almost all of the tropical plants I grow have proven a lot of what I've read about them wrong, as far as cold tolerance and other issues people seem to have.

One thing I've wondered through, is whether the flowers contain lsa, or the foliage, or the stems. The stems in particular have a large amount of sap when trimmed. Perhaps this sap contains the goods. Because I can collect ALOT of it.

I'll be really interested to hear if you are successful with this. I'm in central FL and my trials with HBWR were 8-10 years ago or more. There has been a noticeable change in the climate since then so perhaps it's time to give it another go. Over the past few years I've noticed species growing around here that you only used to see further south, mostly what many would call weed species, but still...

Disturbing but potentially useful changes are afoot.

I agree, species are migrating north. I live in New Orleans, and down by the mouth of the river the climate is very similar to south Florida where it never freezes. At one time that was the only spot you'd find plants like mangrove trees for example, but now they've spread into areas that traditionally experience freezing conditions one or more times per year. Their sizes are also increasing, where they used to remain small bushes they're now growing into trees. Lead tree (which btw, seems worthy of experimentation to me, as I have one growing in my yard and the bark when burned smells exactly like acrb) is another example, it seems to be migrating northward from that same area, along with moonflower morning glories. And that's not to mention all of the escaped ornamentals from tropical areas which have naturalized here.

So basically, just in case anyone who lives in Nola sees this, and was wondering if it's worth growing tropical entheogens in the city, it is, they'll all grow here and become quite prolific (although I haven't tried it with iboga yet).

Don't waste your time with it, i did with no success.

So the plant has set seeds. It's been blooming quite profusely since the last time I posted in this thread. Not every flower was fertilized but a good % of them were. It appears to be taking a break or perhaps it's done blooming, and there's quite a few seed pods. I just ate 4 immature seeds, will update on potency.

This should dispel the myth that HBWR won't set seeds outside of a truly tropical climate. All that is needed with this plant is at least a subtropical climate, space to grow and a lot of patience.