Tabernanthe Iboga ~*

Tabernanthe iboga or Iboga is a perennial rainforest shrub, native to western Central Africa. The Iboga tree is the central pillar of the Bwiti spiritual practice in West-Central Africa, mainly Gabon, Cameroon and the Republic of the Congo, which utilises the alkaloid-containing roots of the plant in a number of ceremonies. Iboga is taken in massive doses by initiates of this spiritual practice, and on a more regular basis is eaten in smaller doses in connection with rituals and tribal dances, which is usually performed at night time. Bwitists have been subject to persecution by Catholic missionaries, who to this day are thoroughly opposed to the growing spiritual practice of Bwiti. Léon M'ba, before becoming the first President of Gabon in 1960, defended the Bwiti religion and the use of iboga in French colonial courts. On June 6, 2000, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Gabon declared Tabernanthe iboga to be a national treasure. In lower doses Iboga has a stimulant effect and is used to maintain alertness while hunting. Outside Africa, iboga extracts as well as the purified alkaloid ibogaine are used in treating opiate addiction. The therapy may last several days and upon completion the subject is generally no longer physically dependent. One methadone patient said in the Dutch behind-the-news show NOVA that in just four days he reached a state that normally would have taken him three months, but without the agony. Evidence suggests that ibogaine may also help to interrupt addiction to alcohol and nicotine. The pharmacological effects are rather undisputed with hundreds of peer reviewed papers in support but formal clinical studies have not been completed. Iboga is an awesome plant. Really easy to grow as long as it doesn't get too cold where you live. Likes humidity, but doesn't need it. Grows fine here in semi arid conditions. I've had mine for about 4 years now, picked it up via Herbalistics.com.au and is the round fruit variety. It drops its leaves with changes in the seasons, but don't stress out, it's normal. Will do this in spring and autumn and come back again before dropping its leaves for winter before coming baack again in spring. Will go dormant over winter so reduce watering to very little at that time. Likes alot of water in the warmer months. Likes to be well fertilized but don't over do it. Pretty tough plants really, mine has survived a few winters now without any trouble despite the temps getting down to 0. I bring it under cover for winter to protect from frost. Doubt it could survive that. Likes a part shade, protected position. Hopefully my little Iboga sets some fruit for the 1st time this year so I can start raising some seedlings. Apart from the traditional uses Iboga makes a really nice pleasant smoke. Anyway, most definatly a great ethnobotanical. Supposed to take upto 10 years to get harvestable root stock, so get some going now. The leaves contain the active ingredients, albiet at a lower level than the root and can also be used. Here's some pics :)

25th May, 2012 Update~*

The cold weather is here, so my little Iboga is packing it in for winter. The leaves are turning yellow and dropping off. Will go dormant and come back in spring~*