Voacanga Africana

[Stonehenge]

This is usually used in the form of seeds but I heard that the leaves and bark can be used also. I have a couple of plants growing but they got knocked back a little this winter. I didn't realise how much they hate the cold. It seems they have to be brought in when it drops below about 50f and I thought it was only freezing they couldn't take. They dropped a lot of leaves but seem to be coming back. I have hopes that this summer they will take off.

[dendro]

I have a couple mature plants growing amongst the caapi vines. They made fruit this year, started from seed about 7-8 years ago. The fruits are filled with milky sap. I picked them unripe and dried them, they aren't rotting just sitting outside under roof. They look toxic, so I doubt I will eat them. But how are the leaves used, and to what effect?

[Stonehenge]

Heck if I know, dendro. I haven't  used it yet, not even the seeds. I heard the rootbark was good and someone said the leaves can be used. I've heard mixed reports on how enjoyable the stuff is so it sounds a little difficult.

[Stonehenge]

My 2 va plants are doing very well. They are branching out and growing lots of leaves. I will have to transplant them soon into bigger pots. I plan to take cuttings this summer and try to root them.

[Green2Herman]

Are not the leaves and bark traditional used in west africa?

[Stonehenge]

I've heard of the rootbark being used and some reports about the bark and leaves but I'm not sure about that. The seeds and rootbark definately work.

[ipomike82]

Could you send / show us a picture how the VA looks like now.

[RifeHeretic]

I've planted a few seeds in a jiffy green house. You grow yours from seed? Any luck?

Rife

[Stonehenge]

I should take a photo of my VA. Inertia seems to be the main obstacle.

[Floyd]

Hey stonehenge, is your plant in just plain potting soil or did you add anyhting to it, and if so how much of what

i seem to recall that you took a picture of your V. africana once before when it was young...it was huge compared to what mine looks like now

[fractanimist]

I have tried a freebase alkaloidal extract of the rootbark but only a small dose.  Large enough to feel nicely stimulated and slight euphoria though.  Anyone else have experience with this plant?  My feeling is that it probably can get very interesting at higher dosages, I just haven't felt the call to be the one to go there, yet.

[senorsalvia]

Tried a resin extract a couple yrs ago with virtually identical results as you describe...  Myself, I did not feel a stimulant effect, but could agree that the light euphoria does hint that a great benefit may be had as one delves deeper.....   sal

[Stonehenge]

I've heard it said that the leaves have something interesting in them. I doubt mine will flower, it hasn't yet. I think you need to be in Hawaii or someplace like that to get flowering. I use plain potting soil with some perlite added. I use peter's 20 20 20. It likes a lot of water and a lot of ferts. It's similar in that regrad to kratom.

[Stonehenge]

I was going to clone one of my VA plants since it has several branches but it's gotten kind of close to winter and that's not a great time to do it though it would be ok inside. I'm just wondering if it would be wiser to take a cutting now in case something happens to the outside plants or should I wait until spring. Decisions, decisions.

[RifeHeretic]

If the area it's cold in now, I would wait awhile. I've had better luck if it's kept inside, nice and toasty for a couple weeks with bright light. Mid spring's a good time. If you're going to trade, count me in ^_^

Rife