Heimia is a genus of flowering plants in the loosestrife family, Lythraceae. It contains two or three species of closely related shrubs commonly known as sun opener or shrubby yellowcrest. The genus is native to the Americas, ranging from northern Argentina north to the southernmost United States (southern Texas).
Species
The genus comprises three species, which are morphologically similar and require expert knowledge to differentiate:
- Heimia salicifolia — commonly known as Sinicuichi, a shrub growing up to 3 m tall with yellow flowers 2–3 cm in diameter.
- Heimia myrtifolia — a smaller shrub reaching about 1 m tall, with flowers approximately 1 cm in diameter.
- Heimia montana — a shrub 1–2 m tall with narrow, lanceolate leaves and flowers 1–1.5 cm in diameter.
Characteristics
The leaves are 2–5 cm long and about 1 cm broad, entire, and arranged alternately, oppositely, or whorled on the stems. All species produce five-petaled yellow flowers. Several pharmacologically active alkaloids have been detected in the plants.
Medicinal and Psychoactive History
The plants have a history of medicinal use in various American cultures. Heimia salicifolia and Heimia myrtifolia have been reported to have hallucinogenic effects, a claim traceable to an 1896 publication by J. B. Calderón. Calderón described a "pleasant drunkenness" in which objects appeared yellow and sounds seemed distant, though he himself experienced no effects after testing the plant. Later exaggerations, particularly by Victor A. Reko in the early 20th century, cemented the plant's reputation as a hallucinogen despite the lack of demonstrable psychoactive properties. The reported effects may be attributable to a sedative principle, other constituents of the brew, or simply its alcohol content.
Cultivation
The species make attractive ornamental shrubs, flowering in late summer. In subtropical climates they grow as shrubs; in colder regions they can be grown as herbaceous perennials. They prefer well-drained soil with ample water and produce abundant tiny seeds that are easily cultivated.
Etymology
The generic name honours the German physician Ernst Ludwig Heim (1747–1834).
