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Heimia salicifolia

Heimia salicifolia

(Kunth) Link
Yerba De La Vida

Family: Lythraceae
Order: Myrtales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Phylum / Division: Magnoliophyta
Kingdom: Plantae

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Records from Anquincila / Sierra de Ancasti


Description


Heimia salicifolia is a species of flowering plant in the Loosestrife family, Lythraceae. It is native to the Americas, ranging from the southwestern United States (Texas and New Mexico) through Mexico and Central America to Argentina. Common names include shrubby yellowcrest, sinicuichi, sun opener, willow-leaf heimia, sini. The plant has been used for shamanic purposes by native peoples in Central America and Mexico.

Isolated alkaloids: Source:
  • Vertine, also known as cryogenine, is regarded as the primary bioactive component and is also generally the most abundant constituent of alkaloidal extracts.
  • Lyfoline, the second most abundant alkaloid
  • Lythrine, the third most abundant alkaloid
  • Heimidine, a minor alkaloid
  • Lythridine, a minor alkaloid


Spiritual use: Use of H. salicifolia for shamanic purposes by native peoples of Central America and Mexico has been described. It is reported to produce both hallucinogenic effects and medical effects. In the method of preparation commonly used, fresh leaves are collected and allowed to wilt. The leaves are put into a cup or jar, cool water is added, and the mixture is placed in the sun to brew and ferment for at least 24 hours. It is said that during the fermentation process, the knowledge of the sun is embedded into the potion, creating the "elixir of the sun."

Source: Wikipedia, article Heimia salicifolia. Content adapted from Wikipedia, available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license. Accessed on 17/07/2026.





Geographic distribution


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Species photographs

Last published photographs

Foto
Photography ID: 452861
  Adult

Anquincila / Sierra de Ancasti
Catamarca
Argentina
03/03/2020
Ramón Vera
Foto
Photography ID: 452859
  Adult

Anquincila / Sierra de Ancasti
Catamarca
Argentina
03/03/2020
Ramón Vera
Foto
Photography ID: 452858
  Adult

Anquincila / Sierra de Ancasti
Catamarca
Argentina
03/03/2020
Ramón Vera



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Page 1
Record IDDateExact timeCountryProvince / departmentPlaceFilmedPhotographedRecorded vocalObservedHeardWounded or deadNumber of individualsUser or BibliographyDetail
142405403/03/2020ArgentinaCatamarcaAnquincila / Sierra de AncastiRamón Vera
Page 1

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Recommended citation
Please use the following reference when citing this species account.
EcoRegistros. 2026. Heimia salicifolia – Species account. Accessed from www.ecoregistros.org on 26/09/2026.