Psychotria viridis aka Chacrona

Psychotria viridis is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It belongs to Rubiaceae, the coffee family. Its native range starts in Chiapas, Mexico, and spans tropical America. It grows in Central America, the Caribbean, and South America. Records include Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. Its home climate is wet and tropical. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

Useful Tropical Plants lists a height of about 10 feet [3 metres]. Its fuller account gives 5–18 feet [1.5–5.4 metres]. That wider range includes both shrub and small-tree forms. The plant has a slim build and keeps its leaves year-round. Its crown spreads out or forms a flat top. The trunk is narrow and straight. It often lacks branches along more than half its height. The supplied account gives no detailed leaf or bark traits. It shows flowers and ripening fruit, but gives no descriptions of either.

In the wild, this species grows in damp thickets and rainforest. It forms part of the lower growth beneath forest trees. The forest canopy may be dense or more open. Sites often have limestone soils. Recorded habitats reach about 490 feet [150 metres] above sea level. For cultivation, the source reports success in sun or partial shade. It favours alkaline soil that lets excess water drain away. These soil needs matter alongside its wet tropical origin. The evidence gives no frost limit or hardiness zone. Seed is listed as a means of propagation.

People gather wild leaves for local medicinal use. In the western Amazon, people add them to ayahuasca. The leaves contain N,N-dimethyltryptamine, also called DMT. The source describes their role in making the drink's effects stronger and longer. It links this action to alkaloids in the other plant ingredients. This records a traditional use, not a proven treatment. The source lists no known food uses. Its lack of listed hazards does not establish safe consumption.

The wood ranges from pinkish to light brown. Its grain can run straight or in waves. It has a fine, even texture and medium weight. The source describes it as tough, compact, and durable. It can take a smooth polish. The supplied evidence gives no specific landscape uses. It also provides no pest or disease details.