Desmanthus illinoensis, commonly known as Illinois bundleflower, prairie-mimosa or prickleweed, is a common plant in the central and southern United States.
| Desmanthus illinoensis | |
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| Desmanthus illinoensis | |
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| Desmanthus illinoensis flower heads | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Caesalpinioideae |
| Clade: | Mimosoid clade |
| Genus: | Desmanthus |
| Species: | D. illinoensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Desmanthus illinoensis | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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List
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Chemistry
editRoot bark of D. illinoensis has been found to contain N,N-DMT, NMT, N-hydroxy-N-methyltryptamine, 2-hydroxy-N-methyltryptamine, and gramine (toxic).[citation needed]
Habitat
editThe plant can be found in many areas of the south, central, and midwestern United States.
It can often be found growing on the sides of roads, particularly on southern exposures, needing full sun and ample moisture during its short growing season. The mature plants often grow and flower in mowed areas. In many parts of its native habitat, road sides are only mowed twice a year. In the late spring and again in late fall. The early mowing helps clear away competitors that might impede growth. The late mowing chops up the dry seed pods resulting in some scarification and resulting in better germination.
USDA hardiness zones 5–8 are recommended for outside cultivation. The waxy seed coat needs to be scarified prior to planting.
Toxicity
editThe root bark contains gramine, which is toxic to some animals.[3]
Uses
editNutrition
editThe plant is nutritious and high in protein.[4]
The Land Institute in Salina, Kansas has done extensive research into the food uses of the seeds of this plant. Studies found the dry seeds composed of 38% protein, compared to 40% for soybeans.[5]
Ayahuasca analogue
editTo produce prairiehuasca, the root bark is mixed with a native source of beta-Carbolines (e.g., passion flower in North America) to produce a hallucinogenic plant concoction analogous to the shamanic South American brew ayahuasca.[6]
References
edit- ^ NatureServe (2024). "Desmanthus illinoensis". Arlington, Virginia. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "Desmanthus illinoensis (Michx.) MacMill. ex B.L.Rob. & Fernald". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "NCATS Inxight Drugs — GRAMINE". drugs.ncats.io. Retrieved 2024-05-23.
- ^ Niering, William A.; Olmstead, Nancy C. (1985) [1979]. The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Wildflowers, Eastern Region. Knopf. p. 527. ISBN 0-394-50432-1.
- ^ "Illinois Bundleflower: Prospects For A Perennial Seed Crop". landinstitute.org. 27 September 1992. Retrieved 2017-05-08.
- ^ Hegnauer, R.; Hegnauer, M. (1996). Caesalpinioideae und Mimosoideae Volume 1 Part 2. Springer Science & Business Media. p. 199. ISBN 9783764351656.
External links
edit
Media related to Desmanthus illinoensis at Wikimedia Commons- Erowid Desmanthus Vault
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