Climbing morning-glory vine whose dark seeds contain the ergoline alkaloid LSA (ergine). Known to the Aztecs under the Nahuatl name tlitliltzin and used in parallel to the seeds of Rivea corymbosa (ololiuqui). Modern horticultural cultivars sold as "Heavenly Blue", "Pearly Gates", and "Flying Saucers" all derive from this species.
ECOLOGY & HABITAT
Sprawling annual or short-lived perennial vine; pantropical via wide cultivation. Tolerates poor soil and full sun.
Distribution
Mexico (native)Central AmericaCaribbeannaturalised pantropically
INDIGENOUS NAMES
The names this organism has been given by the cultures that have lived alongside it. Each carries an entire relationship — what is sacred is never simply translated.
- tlitliltzinNahuatl"little black one"
TRADITIONAL USE
- Pre-Columbian Aztec entheogen (tlitliltzin), parallel to ololiuqui
- Continuing Zapotec and Mazatec divinatory use in Oaxaca
REFERENCES
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- Hofmann 1963
- Schultes 1979
