TROUT: "TROUT'S Notes on SOME OTHER SUCCULENTS"

This prepublication preview was excerpted from 

Sacred Cacti Third Edition (2005?) 

Copyright 2004 Mydriatic Productions 

Delosperma ecklonis 

Delosperma britteniae ? 

Coegakop 

Monadenium lugardae 

Chapter 5 (with corrections & edits: rev. 17 April 2004) 

Trout’s <strong>Notes</strong> on 

Some Other Succulents 

featuring: <strong>Notes</strong> on the AIZOACEAE; 

with particular reference to the genus Delosperma 

A Bettter Days Publication 

by Trout & friends 

Sceletium sp. nova 

Delosperma sp. 

Hanburg 24095 

Delosperma britteniae ? Coegakop

Chapter 5 



This is a prepublication release containing 

material excerpted from the forthcoming 

Sacred Cacti. Botany, Chemistry, Cultivation & 

Utilization (Including notes on some other 

succulents) 

Third Edition. Revised & Illustrated 

To-Be-Published ca. 2005 

Copyright ©2004 & 2001 Mydriatic Productions; 

©1999 Better Days Publishing, Austin, Texas. 

©1997, 1998 by Trout’s <strong>Notes</strong> 

Sacred Cacti was first published in 1997 by Narayan 

Publications, Sedona, Arizona. 

All rights reserved. 

Produced by Mydriatic Productions; 

a division of Better Days Publishing 

Photographs are by K.Trout unless indicated otherwise. 

Photograph copyrights reside with the photographer(s) and 

all images herein are used with their permission. 

Unauthorized commercial distribution and 

reproduction of Trout’s <strong>Notes</strong> is prohibited. 

Sacred Cacti 3rd Ed. (rev. 2004: rev. 17Apr04) 

Mydriatic Productions 

<strong>Notes</strong> on the AIZOACEAE: 

3 

Descriptions of Delospermas mentioned 

in positive assays 

7 

Cultivation of the Delosperma species 

10 

Delosperma species in which we have 

detected the tentative presence of 

DMT and/or 5-MeO-DMT 

12 

Other members of the Aizoaceae 

14 

Summary of other Aizoceous tlc alkaloid 

screening 

14 

Some Other Succulents Held to be Sacred, 

Medicinal or Useful 

15 

Miscellaneous <strong>Notes</strong> on other members 

of the Aizoaceae 

18 

Miscellaneous <strong>Notes</strong> on some additional 

Aizoceous Chemistry 

19 

Endnotes for Some other Succulents 

23 

References for Some other Succulents 

25 

Index 

29 

However: 

Trout’s <strong>Notes</strong> strongly encourages the dissemination of any and all factual information 

contained within these pages so long as all proper acknowledgment of authorships and the 

original sources of origin for the data as cited herein are maintained. 

No one owns facts or factual data. 

2 

Table of Contents



<strong>Notes</strong> on the AIZOACEAE: 

with particular reference to the genus 

Delosperma 

Our attention was drawn to the Delospermas through a 

series of coincidental literature encounters involving other 

Mesembryanthemums. 

SCHULTES & HOFMANN [1980: 332-333] stated that, several 

centuries ago, the roots of a Mesembryanthemum called 

“Kanna” or “Channa” were chewed by the Hottentots of 

southern Africa, and retained in the mouths to induce visual 

hallucinations. They quoted LEWIN 1964; “their animal 

spirits were awakened, their eyes sparkled and their faces 

manifested laughter and gaiety. Thousands of delightsome 

ideas appeared, and a pleasant jollity which enabled them 

to be amused by simple jests. By taking the substances to 

excess, they lost consciousness and fell into a terrible 

delirium.” 

Currently the vernacular names of kanna or channa, [also 

gauwgoed and kougoed according to Emboden] are used for 

“certain species of Mesembryanthemum [Note 1] (or 

Sceletium), especially M. expansum and M. tortuosum” 

EMBODEN in his 1972 Narcotic Plants noted also that the 

Mesembryanthemums currently known as kanna or channa 

were used for stimulant and sedative effects and these drugs 

sound unlike the effects described. 

He suggested that there may have been a confusion with 

the somewhat similar Nananthus albinotus, that he claimed 

Nananthus albinotus now Rabeia albinota 

was used as a hallucinogenic drug known as ‘S’ Keng-Keng’. 

While searching for what could be located concerning 

occurrences of alkaloids in the AIZOACEAE., this was still 

fresh in mind when encountering mention in RAFFAUF 1970 

that DMT had been reported to occur in an unnamed 

Delosperma sp. 

RAFFAUF had cited SMITH, KLINE & FRENCH Laboratories; 

unpublished work and personal communication. 

Since this was not an accessible reference, as it was 

Chapter Five 

3 

considered doubtful that SMITH, KLINE & FRENCH would care 

to share the exact species name or names, it was put on a 

back burner with the rest of the curious but unfollowable 

topics and plants. 

The next stimulation came when noticing T.A. SMITH’s 

inclusion of Delosperma sp. as containing N- 

Methyltryptamine and N,N-Dimethyltryptamine. In his 

1977 review of tryptamines, he had cited RIVIER & PILET 

1971 and DEULOFEU 1973. 

After tracking down his two references, it was extremely 

annoying to find that both of them are simply secondary 

listings and both cited RAFFAUF 1970 as their source. (OTT 

1993 & 1994 similarly listed the same two references.) 

This was a return to the starting point and provided enough 

motivation (irritation) to begin actively locating and obtaining 

seeds and plants of all the Delosperma and Nananthus 

species that could be located. 

Plants were grown from seed and also raised from plants 

obtained as specimens from multiple commercial sources (by 

Trout) and assayed (by Johnny Appleseed) at various times 

of year (usually when growth would allow). Sometimes entire 

plants were sacrificed for assay but usually only leaves and 

stems were sampled. 

N,N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) appeared to be present 

in a number of Delospermas (nine of the species examined), 

based on co-tlc with a known reference standard and color 

reactions with Ehrlich’s Reagent and/ or 0.1% Xanthydrol. 

The frequent presence of N-Methyltryptamine (MMT) 

was inferred from similar co-tlc which relied on extracts of 

other plants known to contain MMT such as Psychotria 

viridis (observed in some samples of leaf), Desmanthus 

illinoensis (observed in some samples of root bark), 

Desmanthus leptolobus (observed in most samples of root 

bark) or Acacia maidenii (observed in all samples of bark or 

root). 

DMT co-occurred with MMT in all of these species [Note 

2] 

We can only infer N-Methyltryptamine’s presence as we 

lacked a pure reference standard for it. In some, such as D. 

klinghardtianum, the alkaloid which was visible at this Rf 

can apparently occur alone in decent amounts. 

A number of other Ehrlich and/or xanthydrol reactive 

components were also seen. Sometimes there were 3 or 4 

present within a given sample. There were dramatic 

fluctuations in alkaloid content and composition when 

assayed at various times of the year. In general, fall and winter 

(in Texas) appear to be the times of highest and most varied 

alkaloids. DMT seems to show up in good amounts in late 

summer before the appearance of some of the other alkaloids. 

What we suspect was 5-MeO-DMT was seen in several 

DMT producers when assayed in spring and summer. We 

have not yet determined a pattern for its occurrence. While 

many instances were at trace levels, 5-MeO-DMT was quite 

strong in a November sampling of Delosperma britteniae. 

As far as we are able to determine this is the first reported 

occurrence of 5-MeO-DMT in the genus Delosperma or in 

any member of the AIZOACEAE. While it is a novel observation 

it is not a particularly surprising one as O-methylated 

components are well known in the Aizoaceae and DMT has 

been previously reported. 

We have potentially observed the presence of 5-Methoxy- 

N,N-dimethyltryptamine (5-MeO-DMT) in eight species.

In some cases it was co-occurring with DMT. In several 

cases the 5-MeO-DMT seems to be present in substantial 

levels. 

Only in a few species was the banding dark and broad. In 

some samples the other components were present at 

substantial and higher levels. 

Our determination of the identity of 5-MeO-DMT was 

based on its co-tlc with a known reference standard of pure 

5-MeO-DMT and on its color reaction with Xanthydrol. 

(All alkaloid identifications by us should be regarded as 

tentative but strong indications of their presence rather 

than proof of their presence. Identification relied solely on 

co-tlc with known reference standards and color reactions. 

Neither isolation nor characterization was performed. Thinlyaer 

chromatography was graciously performed by J. 

Appleseed.) 

We currently have neither the resources nor facilities for 

such further work and offer this paper in hopes someone 

might find this an avenue worthy of their exploration efforts. 

The genus Mesembryanthemum has undergone a revision 

which transferred some of the South African members to 

the genus Sceletium. Sceletium species now number around 

22 and Mesembryanthemum species around 74. Both the 

species expansum and tortuosum are now considered to be 

Sceletiums. S. tortuosum is the type. 

Roots and leaves of these two species are still chewed and 

smoked by Hottentots in Karroo, South Africa, for 

stimulating and narcotic but not for hallucinogenic purposes. 

[Smoking is often in combination with Cannabis] 

This drug is currently called ‘channa’. HERRE mentions 

the current use helps the “chewer to bear thirst and hunger 

and, according to the Hottentots, makes him tough.” 

From HERRE 1971, in reference to the current drug ‘channa’: 

“After fermentation, leaves are dried again and chewed.” 

(page 276) and “Long before the White man came to South 

Africa, the Hottentots used to collect these plants; they wadded 

them into a vessel so that fermentation was caused. At the 

right moment, the process was interrupted and the dark 

and wet material was dried and chewed.” (page 37) 

Time of year for harvest is said to be crucial as early 

harvests apparently contain less alkaloid. SMITH et al. 1996 

October is given as the preferred harvest time in FESTI & 

SAMORINI 1995. 

SMITH et al. 1998 similarly commented that October might 

be considered a good time to evaluate Sceletium for such 

fluctuations as WATERHOUSE 1932 mentioned an early report 

commenting on the plant being gathered at this time (also 

the time of fruit production) 

[While JEFFS et al. 1971 had reported that alkaloid 

concentrations in Sceletium were highest in the woody 

stems and lower in the roots, much lower in the green stem 

and still lower in the leaf; SMITH et al. 1998 commented that 

JEFFS did not note the time of harvest so this should be 

considered.] 

Sceletium tortuosum 

flowering 

Sacred Cacti 3rd Ed. 

4 

Preparation according to SMITH et al. 1996: 

After crushing the harvested material between rocks, it is 

placed into a closed container to ferment. Bags of canvas or 

skins are traditional but plastic bags are used today. The bag 

is placed in the sun so it can heat up during the day and after 

2 or 3 days it is opened, the ‘koegoed’ is “mixed around” 

and then tightly resealed again. The 8 th day after the material 

was crushed, the ‘kougoed’ is taken out of the bag and spread 

to dry in the sun. The resulting material is “stringy, light 

brown and unattractive in appearance”. 

It was claimed that failure to follow the steps in the above 

recipe would produce an inactive product but SMITH further 

noted another preparation where a fire was built and, after it 

had died down, the ashes were removed and a hollow dug 

out of the hot sand. A whole plant of freshly picked Sceletium 

was placed into the hole and covered with hot sand. After 

baking for one hour it is ready to chew and claimed to be 

similar to conventionally prepared material. 

Fermentation and pounding were suggested by SMITH et al. 

1996 to serve to reduce the presence of oxalic acid. Adequate 

heating would accomplish the same thing. 

When SMITH et al. 1998 was examining prepared kougoed, 

made from crushed and prepared Sceletium tortuosum, they 

found that material produced by fermentation had the peak 

for 4’-O-demethylmesembrenol “almost completely 

diminished”, the peak for mesembrine cut by half and the 

peak for mesembrenone doubled. The material that was instead 

dried at 80 o C was very similar overall but still showed the 

presence of some 4’-O-demethylmesembrenol. 

Fermentation before drying also occurred during our assays 

with Delospermas. During the evaluations it was found that 

batches of Delosperma being dried in quantity, at 110 o F, 

began to ferment within several days and dried only after 

this had occurred. Unless only small amounts were processed, 

the plant material always partially liquefied and fermented 

before drying. 

Yeasts and other fermentation organisms are known to be 

associated with the roots of a number of species. 

[See additional comments farther below.] 

SchulTES & HOFMANN mention that Mesembryanthemum 

species have been found to contain alkaloids (citing POPELAK 

& LETTENBAUER 1967), one of which, mesembrine (present at 

0.7%) produces sedative and cocaine-like effects and torpor. 

This sounds very unlike the effects described above and, on


the surface, seems unlikely to be a drug used for 

hallucinogenic purposes. 

This may be misleading, however, as one correspondent 

reported a mild LSD-like effect when ingesting the drug 

channa. Many people have reported a biphasic action and a 

growing number are describing the experience as 

psychoactive. Much more work is needed. 

Plant material, extracted material and purified alkaloid are 

said to be available in the European marketplace. Most 

people we know who have tried the drug have been quite 

impressed in a favorable way. None have described it as 

overtly hallucinogenic except for one person who reported 

the purified alkaloid to be mildly LSD-like. 

Some of the use we have encountered was as a quid but 

people are also snuffing 50-100 mg of the finely ground 

powder (we saw one appearance of it mixed in combination 

with pure arecoline) or smoking it. Smoking of Sceletium is 

known among indigenous users as well. 

Our bioassays with prepared Sceletium tortuosum (oral or 

insufflated) have left us something less than impressed and 

uninterested in further evaluations. This probably reflects 

nothing more than personal tastes. 

Humorously, the forms chosen for the commercial 

marketing of Sceletium have thusfar included purified alkaloid 

placed on blotter paper ala LSD and also the herbal material 

compounded into lollypops accompanied by literature 

clearly oriented towards the rave scene and purporting them 

to possess an MDMA-like action! 

Since some sort of selective serotonin reuptake inhibition 

(SSRI) activity has been noted for Sceletium this is 

potentially a dangerous venue for release if they are then 

combined with MDMA or other substances capable of 

contributing towards excessive serotonin levels. 

EMBODEN believed that two alkaloids, mesembrine and 

mesembrenine (the latter is more preferably referred to as 

mesembrenone) are responsible for the stimulant effects. 

He offered no reference to support this. 

He suggests their unpleasant side effects might be 

responsible for Sceletium’s limited popularity. Side effects 

are said to include mydriasis (dilation of pupils), headache, 

listlessness, loss of appetite and depression following 

stimulation. 

Based on his review of the literature, SMITH et al. 1996 

concluded that it was not a hallucinogen but rather a narcoticanxiolytic 

agent. FESTI & SAMORINI 1996 commented that 

visual hallucinations occur at high dosage levels but it was 

not clear whether this was something published, an 

Chapter 5; other succulents 

5 

interpretation of something published or if it reflected an 

unpublished human bioassay. 

HERRE 1971 mentions that “Its smell and appearance are 

not attractive to Europeans.” SMITH et al. 1998 describes the 

fermenting material as “foul smelling” with visible fungal 

growth. 

HERRE also says that the current ‘channa’ also apparently 

causes drunkenness “if taken in certain quantities”. He states 

that the active principle mesembrine is found in all species 

of Sceletium and that other members of the 

MESEMBRYANTHEMACEAE [Note 3] contain mesembrine but in 

smaller amounts. 

According to WATT & BREYER-BRANDWIJK 1962: Mesembrine 

has possibly been found in Carpobrotus acinaciforme L.BOL. 

and Carpobrotus edulis L.BOL. (in leaf- noting that they can 

find no chemical work to support the assertion). They also 

mention Cryophytum (Mesembryanthemum) crystallinum, 

Drosanthemum floribundum SCHW. and Trichodiadema 

stellatum SCHW. were thought to contain mesembrine by 

ZWICKY. 

SOUTHON & BUCKINGHAM 1989: page 578, on the other hand, 

list the occurrence of Mesembrine only in Sceletium 

namaquense (along with mesembrane) and Sceletium 

tortuosum. See notes on Aizoceous chemistry farther below 

for more info. 

An intriguing comment made by both Herr and Jacobsen is 

that mesembrine is not formed in Europe and northern 

countries (such as Germany) but it is in North Carolina. 

A more detailed summation of the published analysis can 

be found farther below 

An interesting point made by SMITH et al. 1996 is that the 

active agents may prove to be something other than 

Mesembrine. 

Herre dismisses the related Mesembryanthemum 

crystallinum and other species of Mesembryanthemum as 

containing “[mixed] salt[s] in large quantities which is very 

troublesome to those who take it.” (page 276). See also WATT 

& BREYER-BRANDWIJK 1962 and additional comments 

elsewhere here. 

As mentioned earlier, EMBODEN suggested that the apparent 

conflict between the formerly observed hallucinogenic use 

of ‘channa’ and the seemingly nonhallucinogenic nature of 

the current drug ‘channa’ (we must stress that this is a poorly 

studied area with regards to actual human activity), as well 

as the lack of hallucinogenicity in laboratory studies involving 

pure alkaloids, may be a result of confusion of Sceletium 

species with another related Aizoceous member, Nananthus 

albinotus (discussed below). 

Lewin doubted that Aizoceous plants were responsible, 

suggesting instead Cannabis or other intoxicating plants, 

sometimes called channa, used in South Africa, such as 

Sclerocarya caffra and S. schweinfurthiana (ANACARDIACEA). 

I am curious just how many of the Mesembryanthemums 

actually were or are referred to by the same common names 

of “channa” or “kanna”. The genus Mesembryanthemum is 

but one of many genera of Aizoceous plants known more 

generally as Mesembryanthemums (the plural is more 

properly Mesembryanthema but this is rarely used) or 

‘mesembs’. Many still refer to these members of the 

AIZOACEAE as the MESEMBRYANTHEMACEAE.

EMBODEN 1972, page 31, shows the two species, Sceletium 

expansum and Sceletium tortuosum, as depicted in two 18th 

century wood-cuts. 

Comparison of the woodcuts included by Emboden with 

photographs or watercolors of the Sceletiums show 

considerable differences. The plants depicted by Emboden 

both more closely resemble a number of Delospermas such 

as D. acuminatum, D. tradescantioides and other sprawling 

species of Delospermas, more than they resemble any species 

of Nananthus. 

EMBODEN describes the practice of pulverizing whole plants 

of Nananthus albinotus (“S’ Keng-Keng”) to use as a 

hallucinogenic additive to smoking tobacco or snuff. 

This name and practice is or was evidently present among 

“a number of South African tribesmen, especially among the 

Old Griquas” (a people widely renown for their extensive 

and effective knowledge of medicinal plants, unfortunately 

now largely lost). 

Nananthus albinotus, now known as Rabeia albinota, 

also resembles many of the Delospermas, i.e. the lower growing 

clump forming species (as well as many other Aizoceous 

members), which also tested positive for 5-MeO-DMT and/ 

or DMT. In some cases, such as 5-MeO-DMT observed in 

Delosperma britteniae, they assayed positive quite strongly. 

Almost all Nananthus and Rabeia species that have been 

tested to date, including Rabeia albinota, have shown no 

targeted tryptamines present at levels we could detect. The 

lone exception to this was the observance of trace amounts 

of DMT during a November 1995 assay of Nananthus 

aloides. 

It is curious that many of the active Delospermas resemble 

both the Sceletiums and Nananthus albinotus. 

The identity of the original channa may or may not be 

known but perhaps it might be worth considering the species 

of Delospermas, or other Aizoceous and as yet unanalyzed 

plants, that contain DMT, 5-MeO-DMT, and/or possibly 

other active compounds as candidates for this intriguing drug. 

Chemical analysis of a far broader spectrum of the AIZOACEAE 

is in order [Note 4]. 

Certainly smoking and snuffing are not uncommon forms of 

ingestion of DMT (or 5-MeO-DMT), although smoking is 

not presently the predominate means of administration except 

in Western societies. 

It has been occasionally observed in native cultures with 

the smoking of Virola sebifera resin or bark and also with the 

seeds of Anadenanthera peregrina and the seeds/pods of 

Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil. Interestingly this last 

instance appears to predate snuff usage and apparently was 

largely replaced by it. 

Smoking is a frequent form of ingestion of the free base of 

both alkaloids in modern cultures worldwide. While the 

smoking of B. caapi bark and/or leaf, Virola sebifera bark and 

also Anadenanthera seeds/pods have all been reported by 

anthropologists, this has not been the predominate route of 

ingestion among most of the people who use them. 

Snuffing of DMT and/or 5-MeO-DMT plants has been 

widespread and is more common in native cultures of the 

Caribbean and throughout parts of South America. It has 

seemingly been this way since fairly ancient times. 

Interestingly the smoking of tryptamine containing 


6 

Anadenanthera seeds predated snuffs in N. Chile/Argentina 

and is still practiced by a few groups. 

The oral mode of channa ingestion, on the surface, casts 

doubts concerning DMT being an active component. Whether 

DMT is active via a retained quid remains to be seen. 

It is unknown whether there was additional additives which 

were not mentioned, such as other plants or a strongly basic 

ash to facilitate the liberation of the free base and absorption 

by the mucous membranes when snuffed or retained in the 

mouth. Activity or interactions of other co-occurring plant 

alkaloids is also not known. 

While DMT is not normally orally active without the 

presence of an MAO inhibitor, such as is found in ayahuasca, 

there are at least two notable exceptions. One is the use of 

Virola resin as “orally ingested” pellets (thought by Dr. 

McKenna and associates to be orally active due to the 

presence of MAO inhibiting methylenedioxy substituted 

lignins but later determined by Ott to be intended for buccal 

absorption and held in the mouth rather than swallowed) the 

other is the ancient drink, vinho da jurema, prepared as an 

infusion of the roots of Mimosa hostilis [Note 5]. 

We do not have a shred of hard evidence but, as Emboden 

did, must wonder if perhaps “Channa” or “ S’ Keng Keng” 

were only similar to those depicted.and were instead some 

other member of the voluminous AIZOACEAE (JACOBSEN included 

descriptions for 122 genera and ~2500 species). SMITH et al. 

1996 estimated that, of the described species of Mesembs, 

less than 0.04% of them have ever seen analysis of any sort. 

Clearly the field is ripe for development. 

We know DMT (or perhaps 5-MeO-DMT) containing 

Delospermas exist, there may also be additional potentially 

active Aizoceous plants (or alkaloids) capable of inducing a 

hallucinogenic state. 

I think, Lewin’s description of kanna as a pleasant, mirthful 

and colorful intoxication followed by unconsciousness and 

delirium when taken to excess, certainly approximately 

parallels native usage of other tryptamines, such as snuff 

usage in South America [Note 6] and on the surface suggests 

DMT containing members of the AIZOACEAE as, at least, 

plausible candidates for consideration as native intoxicants. 

This assumption could of course simply reflect some sort of 

cultural bias or biases on the part of the author and the 

people employing them are using and experiencing these 

plants from within an entirely different ontology. 

It appears just as likely that the Delospermas may have 

never been used entheogenically by native people and the 

finding of DMT in plants physically similar to channa merely 

fortuitous. 

The dried material and purified isolates of channa do in fact 

appear to be strongly active. 

SMITH et al. 1998 evaluated the claims that drying at 80 o C or 

fermentation was essential for activity. He found that it did 

not simply serve to reduce the oxalic acid content as had 

been previously conjectured but also produced a substantial 

shift in the actual alkaloid profile. (As detailed above, the 

traditional prep produced the best results.) 

More work is clearly in order to better understand the 

pharmacology of channa. 

We have come across only one solid reference to 

Delospermas being used in folk medicine. WATT & BREYER-

BRANDWIJK 1962 include Delosperma herbeum N.E.Br. as 

being given by the Tswana in the form of a root decoction 

and the powdered plant then being rubbed into scarifications, 

made over the vertebral joints, to make the “climacteric” 

strong and resistant to witchcraft. One other possible 

reference to a Delosperma species (D. mahonii) can be found 

in our discussion on other Aizoceous plants below. 

[According to HARGREAVES 1998, COLE 1995 believes that 

lemelanthufe is possibly a local name used for Delosperma 

in Botswana.] 

Delosperma cooperi also enters into preparation of the 

alcoholic drink khadi [also spelled kadi or kgadi] [Note 7: 

see also HARGREAVES 1998 & 1999] While it appears to be 

used as a source of fermentation organisms, its potential for 

pharmacological contribution cannot be dismissed without 

study. Interestingly despite the roots being a good source of 

fermentation organisms it is said to be the leaves which are 

used in making khadi. According to HARGREAVES this species 

was said, by DIETERLAN, to be used for beer making among 

the Bantu and by Europeans for a yeast source [Note 8]. [It 

should be added that this fermentation may actually be due 

to (1 or 2) fungus species known to convert sugar to oxalic 

acid; hence the dangerous reputation of this practice] 

To further complicate the picture is the evidence suggesting 

there may be a seasonal fluctuation in alkaloid content. This 

has been noted to have been reported in other Mesembs 

according to SMITH et al. 1996 and was also suggested by the 

variable results we obtained during Johnny’s tlc studies. 

Unfortunately, much of the traditions and herbal knowledge 

of local African peoples has been lost or destroyed during 

acculturation [Note 9]. We may never know for certain the 

complete identities of the tantalizing entheogens known as 

Channa and S’ Keng Keng. 

We have attempted to assay as many of the Delospermas as 

we could locate and obtain assayable biomass from (140 

species are included in JACOBSEN and many more are said to 

exist). We also set out to sample a number of Rabeia (7 

described species - Rabeia albinota being the type) and 

Nananthus (9 are described) species for assay. 

We have not yet exhausted the commercially available 

species. In the case of Delosperma we have made a little 

headway. Considering we have neither outside funding or 

support, all individuals involved freely contributing their 

time, materials and energy, nor have we received any 

compensation (beyond personal satisfaction) from these 

assays, we are pleased and satisfied with our preliminary 

results. Our exploration has been for the joy of doing it. 

What was accomplished was as a small group of ordinary 

individuals with no established acceptance or funding. If a 

professional lab had even a small degree of resources or 

interest they could have expanded what we have done many 

times over and done so in a way that was actually meaningful. 

Delosperma britteniae? Coegakop 


7 

Descriptions of Delospermas mentioned in 

positive assays 

Delosperma descriptions were adapted from JACOBSEN 1960 

but also contain observations of plants grown for assay 

purposes 

Delosperma = Ectotropsis = Schoenlandia 

Delosperma comes from the Greek; Delos meaning “visible” 

and Sperma “Seed”. [This is in reference to the seeds which 

lie visibly exposed in the seedpods (when they are wet).] 

Delosperma acuminatum L.BOL. 

Originally collected from Cape Province: Albany Division, 

near Grahamstown. 

It forms a 20 cm. tall erect glabrous shrub with stiff 

branches which tend to be prostrate in cultivated specimens. 

Roots are tuberous and can reach 20 cm. The pale glaucous 

green leaves are acuminate and sharply keeled. The upper 

surface is flat and the sides rounded. They are borne erect 

and can reach 35 mm. in length; being 5 mm wide and long. 

Flowers are coppery-red and 2 cm. in diameter. Smaller in 

heat stressed plants. 

Our specimens were described as Delosperma 

acuminatum Alicedale and have done very well as hanging 

baskets. 

Delosperma brittenae (L.BOL.) 

Originally collected in the Cape Province: Albany 

Division, “rocks between Hamilton Reservoir and Bay 

Road, near Grahamstown.” 

This is a low growing succulent forming a glabrous shrub 

with stem 3 cm. thick at the base. The branches and 

branchlets are crowded and elongated. Internodes are not 

visible and rarely elongated. 

Leaves are erect, keeled and dull glaucous with a firm 

texture. Some of ours have a distinctly bluish color. Leaves 

are acute and mucronate with the sides convex and the 

upper surface flattened. They reach 3 cm. in length and 7 

mm. wide and thick, with a 4 mm long sheath. Pedicels are 

15 mm long. 

The solitary white flowers can reach 38 mm in diameter. 

Ours show a distinct tendency to form shallow splits 

and line like scars on the leaves when exposed to too much 

sun. 

Our specimens were labeled Delosperma britteniae? 

Coegakop

Delosperma cooperi (HOOK. f.) L.BOL. 

Originally collected in the Orange Free State. 

This is a sprawling, freely branching subshrub with bright 

green glacous leaves. Internodes on the branches are shorter 

than the leaves. The leaves are spreading, bent or recurved 

inwards, linear and cylindrical with a slightly flattened top. 

They narrow somewhat towards the tip and appear striped 

with grey-green due to irregular papillae arranged in 

longitudinal lines. The leaves are up to 55 mm. long and are 

6 mm. wide and 5 thick. Pedicels are 2 cm. long. Flowers are 

borne terminally; occasionally single but usually in groups 

of 3 to 7. They are silken purple and 4.5 to 5 cm. in diameter. 

Most we have seen are more pink than purple. This plant is 

said to be hardy to 10 degrees F. We have seen them die in 

the mid 20’s. 

This species is incredibly hardy if the bulk of its mass can 

be prevented from contacting soil via the use of rocks, gravel, 

bark mulch or other approaches. 

It is one of the few plants in our area that deer will not 

devour. Slugs will annihilate it if kept overly damp. 

They can easily spread to cover a meter wide circle within 

several years. This one loves lots of sun. 

A number of seed companies offer this species. Seeds and 

plants are readily available through many nurseries and 

hardware stores with a garden department. (We have found 

mislabeled plants sold as Delosperma cooperi.) 

Our samples for assay have come from several commercial 

suppliers. The discrepancies in alkaloid production we have 

observed, occurred within given plants when assayed over a 

period of time and have generally seemed to reflect their 

source of origin. 


8 

Delosperma ecklonis (SALM.) SCHWANT. 

Originally described from the Cape Province: on the 

Zwartkops River. 

This small plant is very free growing with slender 

prostrate branches which are covered with fine white hairs 

when young. The branches root readily if they contact 

soil. 

The leaves are close together, growing either erect or 

spreading horizontally and recurved. They are flatcompressed 

and connate at the base. They grow three 

angled, tapering and end in a short point. The upper side is 

wider and grooved towards the base. The leaves can reach 

2.5 to 3.5 cm long. They are covered with fine papillae and 

soft hairs and are light green unless kept in a sunny position 

in which they turn reddish purple. 

They produce small white flowers (16 mm in diameter) 

with short stalks. 

Delosperma esterhuyseniae 

We still need to locate a description of this enchanting 

dwarf. Our’s flowered white. 

Our specimens were provided as Delosperma 

esterhuyseniae Adamskraal 

Delosperma halli 

We still need to locate a description. 

Our specimens were sold as Delosperma hallii 

Namusberge They were said to have striking pink flowers. 

Ours have flowered only briefly and occasionally. They 

were very nice. 

Delosperma harazianum 

We still need to locate a description. 

We have assayed two forms to date. They were sold as: 

Delosperma harazianum Audhali Plateau, Yemen Tiny 

grey leaves 

Delosperma harazianum Shibam Shorter leaves, better 

flowers 

Both are beautiful little clump formers with small flowers. 

Delosperma hirtum (N.E.BR.) SCHWANT. 

Originally collected in the Eastern Cape Province. 

We still need to locate a description of this one. Our 

supplier describes it as resembling a slender sutherlandii, 

with fine summer blooms and deciduous leaves. 

Delosperma litorale (KENSIT) L.BOL. 

Collected from Cape Province: Mossel Bay, on the shore 

near the town and extending eastwards from the Cape 

Division along the coast as far as Port Elizabeth. 

This grows as a prostrate loosely branched herb. While 

creeping in habit it does not send out roots unless buried in 

soil. The stems are elongated, dainty and pale, reaching 35 

cm in length. The internodes are from 24 to 50 mm long. 

Its leaves are somewhat connate and inclined. Young 

leaves are three-angled, subfalcate and laterally compressed. 

Delosperma cooperi

The edges are bordered with white (the edges of ours were 

tinged in pink), elongated, narrowed toward the base and 

acute at the end. The upper surface is almost flat. They 

are blue and mucronate; reaching 25-30 mm in length and 

5-6 mm thick. 

Pedicels are 5-17 mm long and have two bracts. 

White flowers, usually in groups of three. 

Our specimens were described as aff. litorale St. Francis 

Bay. 

Delosperma nubigenum (SCHLTR.) L.BOL. 

From the South-East Cape Province in the Orange Free 

State, in the cleft of rocks on the top of “Mont aux Sources” 

at 3200 m. 

This low decumbent sub-shrub has ascendant, roundish 

and papillose stems. The leaves are “standing off or erect 

standing off” and are elongate or elongate-elliptical, acute 

and narrowed towards the ends or else the leaves are linear 

and papillose. 

They bear orange red flowers at the end of the stems. 

They are two cm in diameter and have short stalks. 

Our plants used for assay were purchased at a local 

hardware store. They conformed to both published 

descriptions and photographs. 

Delosperma lydenburgense L.BOL. 

Originally found in the Transvaal: Lydenberg. 

This plant is glabrous, loosely ramose and herbaceous in 

habit. Older branches are 20 cm. long and 4 mm. in diameter, 

internodes are 3-3.5 cm long. The herbaceous parts of the 

plant are minutely papillate. 

The leaves are soft and linear when viewed from above. 

They are flat to grooved, narrowed, acute and have an 

obscure keel on the back when young. They grow 3.5-5.5 

cm. long, 2-5 mm wide and 2-3 mm in diameter. 

It bears flowers as groups of 2 to 3 in loose inflorescence 

which are 3 cm. tall and 10 cm. wide. Pedicels are 1-2 cm. 

long. The flowers themselves are 2-2.5 cm in diameter and 

purplish in color. 

Our plants were said to have large pink purple flowers 

and hardy to the mid teens. We have found them hardy 

only into the low 20’s in Central Texas. 

Delosperma pageanum (L.BOL.) L.BOL. 

Originally found in the Cape Province: southwest region, 

Montagu Division, near Montagu Baths. 

This grows erect as a 26 cm. shrub, with a stem that can 

be over 3 mm. thick at the base. The stem is glabrous and 

branching and has pale skin becoming papery with a 

slightly hairy appearance on older branches. Internodes 

are 1 cm. long. 

Leaves are spreading and cylindrical, and gradually taper 

to a blunt end. They are finely papillose with the papillae 

being ciliate with fine white hairs and a little connate at the 

base. They are 10-15 mm. long and 2 or 3 mm. thick. They 

are soft and a bright light green. Pedicels are 17 mm.. long. 

It has purple flowers; 16 mm. in diameter. 

Delosperma tradescantioidesXbosseranum 


9 

Delosperma pergamentaceum L.BOL. 

From the Cape Province: L. Namaqualand, Richersveld, 

hill 1 mile west of Arris Drift, Aneesfontein, Sendlingsdrift, 

Pokkiespram. 

A glabrous shrub growing to 30 cm. tall with an elongated 

stem in young plants, 5 mm. thick at the tip. The branches 

are crowded densely and leafed with 4-6 leaves in a group. 

It forms floral branches up to 5 cm. long. 

The leaves are spreading to ascending, obtusely keeled 

with the top surface flat and the sides flat or slightly convex. 

There are other (older?) leaves which are flat or convex, 

laterally compressed, narrowed towards the tip in profile, 

the tip itself being rounded to oblique or somewhat truncate 

and connate at the base. Sheath is 6 mm. long, pale blue 

and tinged with purple. Older leaves are vellum like, 7 cm. 

long and 16 mm. wide. Younger leaves are 4 cm. long, 8 

mm. wide at the base, 2 mm. wide below the apex, 7 to 8 

mm. thick at the base and 13-14 mm. thick at the tip. The 

pedicels are 18 mm. long. They flower as solitary white 

flowers 44 mm. in diameter. 

Our specimens were furnished as Delosperma 

pergamentaceum Numees [said to need a genus, later said 

= Hartmanthus (we have been unable to locate this name)] 

and Delosperma pergamentaceum Rooilepel white or pink 

flowers 

Delosperma tradescantioides Said to be great for 

hanging baskets. White flowers and, for a Delosperma, 

unusual leaves.. Freely rooting and fast growing. 

Delosperma tradescantioides

Cultivation of the Delosperma species 

Delospermas require barely damp soil with slightly damp 

but drying surface conditions on a regular basis. While rot 

prone if overly wet, they enjoy being misted every day 

when hot. Delospermas should be well watered only when 

they show visible signs of wilting. They love frequent light 

mistings and while not liking soggy conditions, do not like 

to be in totally dry soil. 

Their main period of growth and flowering, in the US, is 

during the summer. They should not ever be allowed to 

become excessively dry during their growth period. During 

the winter they should not be watered except for an 

occasional misting. Most do not need winter protection 

unless rain is abundant. We have seen multiple species freeze 

solid with ice forcing otherwise prostrate branches into 

upright rigid poses then recovering with no problems. It 

should be added that there are some freeze sensitive species. 

Some are suited for coastal plantings while others prefer 

an arid but cool mountain environment. Most grow in very 

rocky areas with frequent mist or dew. 

An excellent method of maintaining soil moisture while 

decreasing the risk of overwatering was presented by 

JACOBSEN. 

He suggests the use of a staging with provisions for drainage 

(a raised plant table with walls for creating a permanent 

bed) upon which is placed a thick layer of gravel, coke, lava 

rock or cinders. The plants, each in individual clay pots, are 

placed on this layer and the level of gravel is then brought to 

the top of the pots. 

A top layer of various small rocks or gravel is then added 

to the individual pots themselves to accentuate the natural 

mimicry of these succulents, enhance the visual presentation 

and decrease surface evaporation of moisture. 

This approach protects the pots from direct sun exposure. 

The rocks help retain heat and moisture, prevent drying out 

of the soil and help to avoid overwatering by establishing 

excellent drainage. 

The plants, especially the shrubby Delospermas will send 

roots out of the bottoms of their pots seeking moisture in 

the gravel bed. When repotting such plants, the clay pots 

should be broken free of the plant to avoid damage to the 

roots. If growth is too extensive it may be preferable to 

make and root cuttings rather than transplant overgrown 

plants and disturb their neighbors. 

Dead roots should be removed when replanting to avoid 

rotting problems. Dead branches on actively growing plants 

should also be removed. 

They need a very mineral rich soil with perfect drainage. 

Jacobsen recommends adding coke or brick rubble to the 

soil. We have not had good results with this. They have 

done best for us when placed in a normal, fairly rich, cactus 

soil. Some of the smaller clumping forms do better if more 

rock is added. We have had success using a mixture of 

limestone and igneous gravel. 

All Delospermas are sensitive to soil compaction in culture. 

Potted plants should be checked at least once a year and the 

old soil removed or replaced if it has compacted into a hard 


10 

mass. (This is almost certain death for most Delospermas.) 

Soil must remain loose, friable and readily accept water. 

For all of these reasons we would discourage the use of 

peat moss, fine sand, loam or clays except as minor soil 

additives due to their bad setting and/or packing tendencies. 

Peat has a further undesirable tendency to not accept water 

once it has dried. 

Jacobsen considers “old weathered loam” to be an 

essential soil additive. He suggests: 

3 parts old compost or leaf mould. 

1 part well rotted manure 

1 part old weathered loam 

1 part crushed brick and brick dust (we suggest 

limestone gravel, mixed with powdered gypsum and 

dolomite) 

6 parts clean, sharp sand (all fine sand removed) 

Delospermas usually have fairly small flowers that 

sometimes look as if they were made from pieces of straw 

with an almost metallic luster in vivid shades of red or 

violet. Others have small white flowers. Many species 

flower abundantly and freely. 

There are two main types. One is bushy, occasionally 

sprawling, and the other growing along the ground in a 

more compact form. Some of the latter form compact clumps 

with thickened leaves and resemble other, more famous 

and widely cultivated Mesembryanthemums. 

The bushy ones root well from cuttings being taken and 

simply stuck directly into soil. They do not require callusing 

prior to planting but it may be advantageous if a more 

succulent species is being rooted. As with all succulents, 

water sparingly and cautiously until well rooted. 

Delospermas wilt severely when rooting or when shipped 

through the mail. Normally, with misting and bright light 

(no direct sun) they recover rapidly. 

While they can handle full sun in most cases and some 

such as D. cooperi and D. lydenbergense, are said to be 

able to take freezing temperatures, into the low teens, they 

fare better for us when given full sun for only part of the 

day. It is generally recommended that watering be tapered 

off before winter arrives and that they be allowed to go 

through winter with only ambient moisture (unless 

excessive). Indoor maintained plants seemed to suffer from 

dry heated air and required misting to maintain health. 

Enclosure in a humidity tent was tolerated only with 

adequate ventilation. 

Excessive heat stresses them and better results might be 

observed in a summer cooled greenhouse. 

Some, such as D. cooperi, did best when their smaller 

pots were clustered inside the top of other larger potted 

plants. These larger pots were 10 to 20 gallons in size and 

held such plants as Acacia maidenii, Acacia auriculiformis, 

Adenanthera pavonia, Albizia procera, Chili pequins 

(Capsicum annuum var. aviculare), Zizyphus jujube or 

other light filtering plants. They seemed very happy to 

grow at their base and spilled over the edges of the larger 

pots in attractive dripping masses. (D. cooperi has a 

wonderful texture to the skin which makes them look very 

much like aggregates of bright green lizard tails.) 

Delosperma cooperi also thrives in rock gardens or on 

slopes where the body of the plant can grow out onto or 

over a large rock. Many Delospermas do well this way and

it is becoming a common practice in xeriscapes to plant 

Delospermas in areas where the body can sprawl across 

rock covered areas. Some are said to do very well in Aspen, 

Co. 

Thin stalked, thin leafed types such as D. acuminatum 

did best for us when grown in baskets as hanging plants. 

These develop tuberous roots and need some room. 

In some Delospermas, even in some of the lower growing 

miniatures, there is formation of a substantial tuber or 

tubers. These need adequate room for the tuber to grow 

and spread in order for the plants to be happy. They will 

need either periodic ‘bumping-up’ or division, deep narrow 

pots or else planting in a raised sloped deep bed. 

Natural propagation is primarily from seeds being 

washed from their capsules by rain. The seed capsules 

open to release seeds only when wet, and the rain abundant 

enough to wash the seeds out, and close again when dry. 

This ingenious mechanism ensures that the release of seeds 

will accompany moisture and good germinating conditions. 

Delosperma britteniae? Coogekop 

Seed pod closed when dry (Above) 

Seed pods opens when wet enough (Below) 

It is not uncommon to find many small seedlings in the 

pots with mature adults. 


11 

They grow quickly and easily from seed. Treat them and 

their small seeds like finely seeded cactus with slightly 

higher moisture requirements. 

Delospermas are more prone to indoor problems such as 

black-flies and other insects with plant parasite larvae than 

most cacti. Unless these are kept controlled they will 

devastate Delosperma seedlings. 

We have also lost some plants to a yellow soil fungus or 

mold. We plan to address this problem in the future by use 

of a systemic fungicide. Most of our plants were unaffected. 

The plants which were hit the worst were the commercially 

obtained Delospermas (mainly D. cooperi) which had been 

sold potted in a high bark mulch soil mix. Any of these 

which were allowed to dry out completely during winter 

died. Those which remained with the rest of our plants 

(trees and shrubs) and which consequently stayed slightly 

damp were fine without exception. 

Slugs and grasshoppers can also be problems. Slugs and 

snail can be controlled with snail bait or beer traps (see 

under cultivation of cacti: pests). Grasshoppers can be 

minimized by yearly applications of beneficial nematodes 

to the surrounding areas. These nematodes are distributed 

by spraying in solution onto moist soil. They destroy the 

young of the grasshoppers while still in the ground. They 

are commercially available in springtime. 

A few species have been repeatedly & aggresively targeted 

by mealy bugs. After ineffectivenss of other products I 

finally resorted to solving the problem by applying the 

systemic insecticide Merit. 

Jacobsen suggests that wire netting be used in outdoor 

plantings to protect the plants from birds. We have never 

had a problem with birds. On the other hand we HAVE had 

a problem with thick plantings of D. cooperi becoming a 

favorite resting spot of cats on hot days, apparently due 

to their cool cushioning. They do not usually survive being 

crushed this way. 

Rotting and wet wilting indicate watering needs to be cut 

back. Discontinue watering entirely but continue with light 

daily misting until health returns. 

Occasionally a dry rot will attack the roots of these plants. 

Its cause is not known but presumed to be bacterial in 

origin. We have no idea how to cure it but have only lost a 

few plants to this. Any suspicious and less than healthy 

roots encountered when transplanting should be removed 

along with the soil surrounding them. Our standard approach 

to any indeterminate problem like this is to try freshly 

mixed Chinosol. 

Several molds and a yeast were found in association with 

roots of (probable) Delosperma mahonii, which, for this 

reason, is sometimes used as a fermenting agent for brewing 

or bread making. [See earlier comments conerning D. 

cooperi] It is said by Watt and Breyer Brandwijk to be 

dangerous due to the high oxalic acid content. It contains 

the equivalent of 3% oxalic acid. One of the molds produced 

large amounts of oxalic acid when cultured in a sugar 

solution. Other Aizoceous members are used similarly. [The 

presence of oxalic acid in any decent quantity could present 

problems during alkaloid extraction depending on the route 

chosen.]

There was a definite fermentation with bubbling observed 

in any decent sized (several grams or larger) Delosperma 

sample being dried at RT or 110 o F. We have performed no 

elucidation of the organisms involved. Whether they are 

involved with either the presence of the alkaloids discussed 

or with our difficulty in obtaining a good isolation for 

characterization remains to be seen. The high salt content is 

said by some to be an obstacle in good isolations. It should 

be possible to deal with the high salt content using column 

chromatography similar to the approach used by 

CHARALAMPOUS et al. for isolating mescaline from urine or by 

the use of Porapak Q. 

See “Useful Manipulations of Mescaline and other Peyote 

Alkaloids.” in Sacred Cacti or the appropriate section in 

TN# FS-X7 Some Simple Tryptamines concerning DMT 

isolation procedures, by Trout and Friends. Substitute 

ammoniacal methanol for ammoniacal ethanol if using 

Charalampous’ procedure. 

See also the physical data section of FS-X7 (Some 

Simple Tryptamines) for more approaches and solvents. 

Delosperma species in which we have 

detected the tentative presence of DMT 

and/or 5-MeO-DMT 

(Based on co-tlc with known reference standards and color 

reactions with Ehrlich’s reagent and/or 0.1% xanthydrol.) 

Nearly all samples testing positive also had additional Ehrlich 

reactive compounds present. In some samples, at least 3 or 4. 

Identities of most are unknown at present. As is the potential 

presence of other bioactive alkaloids. We have tentatively 

identified one as the inactive N-Methyltryptamine (MMT) 

based on co-tlc with plants known to contain MMT and DMT. 

All TLC was kindly performed by J.APPLESEED. All Delosperma 

species were commercially obtained and reference samples of 

the positive testing material and living plants (whenever 

possible) are being maintained. 

Unless noted, all Delosperma samples were of leaves and 

branches. All samples assayed after plates #88 and 89 were 

dried before sending off for assay. Most were 2 to 2-1/2 gram 

samples (dry wt.) unless plant growth did not allow this much 

harvest. Some were much smaller. All of the samples used for 

plates 88 and 89 (Spring 1994 Assay) were far smaller and used 

fresh wet material from dormant plants. 

In the 1994 Spring samplings we had used Ehrlich’s reagent 

and commercially obtained Psychotria viridis leaf isolate as a 

reference standard. The reference standard showed a very nice 

DMT band with one additional weaker band present at a lower 

Rf. In this assay, all Delosperma spp. showed no banding; 

indicating no alkaloid to be present at levels our assay was 

capable of detecting. Our small sample size may have contributed 

to this but it could also be that alkaloids were lacking in the 

material. 

A sample of D. cooperi harvested around the same time of 

year showed NO DMT or 5-MeO-DMT in GC performed by 

Sasha SHULGIN. He did detect the presence of an unidentified 

alkaloid or alkaloids. Whether this suggests that there is seasonal 

fluctuations, different chemical ‘races’ of D. cooperi or 

something else is presently unknown to us. Work is slowly 

ongoing. 

[Rf is the relative ratio of the distance the alkaloid migrated as 

compared to the distance that the solvent front traveled.] 


12 

Delosperma acuminatum Alicedale No alkaloids were 

observed in our early spring 1994 assays. 7 separate assays 

of samples taken during September, November and 

December of 1994 and 1995, showed a band to be present 

at DMT Rf. Usually the DMT bands were quite large and/ 

or dark with the exception of a faint band seen in our 2 

Sept. sample. In our 2 November 1995 assay we observed 

a large and dark band corresponding to both DMT and 5- 

MeO-DMT. We had previously observed smaller amounts 

of 5-MeO-DMT in May and summer samplings during 

1995 (DMT was apparently absent). 

Delosperma britteniae? Coogakop A very nice dark blue 

5-MeO band was seen in our 2 November 1995 tlc. No 

alkaloids had been observed in our early spring 1994 assay. 

Delosperma cooperi Our initial early spring 1994 assay 

showed no alkaloid. May and summer 1995 both showed 

a nice 5-MeO-DMT band (we ran the May sample twice). 

Plants purchased via mail order had a much darker 5-MeO- 

DMT band, in the May assay, than those locally obtained 

at a hardware store. Both showed the presence of 5-MeO- 

DMT. Assays from September and December 1994 had 

shown the presence of DMT. Our early November 1995 

tlc of these plants showed both DMT and 5-MeO-DMT 

present. Assays were done using both commercial plants 

and plants we grew from seed. Commercial plant material 

tested by Sasha showed no DMT in GC-MS. 

Delosperma ecklonis A purple DMT band was seen in 

our 2 Nov. 1995 assays. 

Delosperma esterhuyseniae Faint purple DMT band was 

seen in our 2 Nov. 1995 assays. 

Delosperma hallii A dark blue 5-MeO-DMT band was 

seen in our 2 Nov. 1995 assays. 

Delosperma harazianum A dark blue and purple band 

corresponding to DMT and 5-MeO-DMT was visible in 

our 2 November 1995 tlc. 

Delosperma harazianum Shibam A faint purple DMT 

band was seen in our 2 November assay 1995. 

Delosperma hirtum A weak DMT band was seen in 

November and December assays and none in spring. 

Delosperma aff. litorale St. Francis Bay A nice blue 5- 

MeO-DMT band was seen in our 2 Nov. 1995 assay. No 

alkaloid was observed in early spring 1994 testing. 

Delosperma lydenbergense 26 Nov. 94 A good DMT 

band was seen in our 26 Nov. 1994 testing and no alkaloids 

observed in spring 1994 assay. 

Delosperma nubigenum A weak 5-MeO-DMT band was 

seen in May 1995 testing. 

Delosperma pageanum DMT was suspected in 5 Dec. 

1994 but utilized only Ehrlichs reagent. Traces of 5-MeO- 

DMT were observed the following November. A good 5- 

MeO-DMT band was present in May 1995. 

Delosperma pergamentaceum Numees Traces of DMT 

observed in November but not in May. 

Delosperma tradescantioides DMT has been observed 

in small amounts in November assays.

Summary of our Preliminary Results 

Our (Appleseed & Trout) first year of assays did not use 

xanthydrol so we were unable to distinguish DMT from 5- 

MeO-DMT. The two alkaloids chromatograph at the same Rf 

in the tlc system used for the assays. There may have been 

additional positives for 5-MeO-DMT co-occurring with DMT 

that were not noticed. As sequential assays were performed on 

nearly all positive testing material, it is unlikely we confused 

DMT as 5-MeO-DMT. (with the exception of listing DMT in 

D. pageanum using Ehrlich’s. This probably was 5-MeO-DMT.) 

5-MeO-DMT 

(Using Xanthydrol) 

Delosperma acuminatum May assay. Faint in Nov. assay 

Dark blue and purple band corresponding to DMT and 5- 

MeO-DMT 

Delosperma brittenae Nov. assay. Very nice dark band 

Delosperma cooperi May assay (two sources) also in Nov. 

assay. 3 positives total 

Delosperma hallii Nov. assay. Dark band 

Delosperma harazianum Audhali Plateau, Yemen Nov. 

assay. Dark band 

Delosperma litorale Nov. assay. Dark band 

Delosperma nubigenum 9 May 1995 Weak band 

Delosperma pageanum (Same plant tested Christmas 1994) 

May and Nov. assay. Faint in Nov. Good in May 

DMT 

Delosperma acuminatum Sept., Nov. and Dec. 5 positive 

assays over a 15 month period. (Xanthydrol-1 and 

Ehrlich’s-4) Not observed in May assay 

Delosperma cooperi Sept., Nov. and Dec. assays. 3 positives 

(Xanthydrol-1 and Ehrlich’s-2) 

Delosperma ecklonis Nov. assays (2, one year apart) 

(Ehrlich’s and Xanthydrol) The first time it was erroneously 

thought to be lydenbergense 

Delosperma esterhuyseniae Nov. assay. Faint (Xanthydrol). 


assay (Xanthydrol) 

Delosperma harazianum Shibam Nov. assay. Faint band 

(Xanthydrol) 

Delosperma hirtum Nov. and Dec. assays. Weak band 

(Xanthydrol and Ehrlich’s) 

Delosperma pageanum Dec. assay Good DMT (or 5-MeO- 

DMT?) band (Ehrlich’s) 

Delosperma pergamentaceum Numees Nov. assay faint band 

(not present in May assay) (Xanthydrol) 

Delosperma tradescantioides Nov. assay Faint band 

(Ehrlich’s) 

MMT 

(All instances of suspected MMT occurrence lacked a good 

reference standard and relied on the presence of a band which 

was supposed to be MMT. The supposition was based on its 

presence in other assayed samples of plants known to at least 

sometimes contain MMT. (such as Acacia maidenii stem-bark, 

Desmanthus illinoensis root bark and Psychotria viridis leaf.) 

Delosperma acuminatum Faint. Sept. and Nov. assays. 

(Ehrlich’s) 

Delosperma brittenae Nov. assay (Xanthydrol) 

Delosperma cooperi Sept. and Nov. assays. (Ehrlich’s and 

Xanthydrol) 


13 

Delosperma esterhuyseniae Nov. assay (Xanthydrol) 

Delosperma hallii Nov. assay (Xanthydrol) 


assay showed traces (Xanthydrol) 

Delosperma hirtum Nov. assay showed traces (Xanthydrol) 

Delosperma klinghardtianum Nov. and Dec. assays. 

(Xanthydrol and Ehrlich’s) 

Delosperma litorale Nov. assay. (Xanthydrol) 

Delosperma pageanum (Same plant tested Christmas 1994) 

2 Nov. 1995. Dark band (Xanthydrol) 

Delosperma pageanum Dec. assay (Ehrlich’s) 

Delosperma tradescantioides Nov. assay. (Ehrlich’s) 

Delospermas are mostly water. Water content was 

determined to be 95% by weight in young D. cooperi. This 

means that a kilogram of fresh plants will yield 50 grams of 

dry material. Intact leaves and pieces of leaves retain water 

so well that even if they are heated at 110 o for several days 

they will not dry appreciably. Only if chopped finely or 

crushed will they dry readily. 

Only a few of the Delosperma species that we have 

assayed showed DMT or 5-MeO-DMT to be present in 

any substantial amount. Since there often are other 

unidentified alkaloids present as well as the well-known 

potential for dangerous substances including substantial 

amounts of oxalic acid we would discourage random bioassay. 

Our assay is targeted specifically at tryptamines so many 

other substances could also be present which we did not 

detect. 

Since we have not yet performed isolation and 

characterization of the suspected alkaloids we must stress 

that our observations should be considered strong indications 

of their probable presence rather than proof of their presence. 

Appleseed’s General Assay Procedure 

Samples extracted by simmering 2 hours in hot aqueous 

hydrochloric acid (pH 3) and allowing to cool for 12 hours 

before basifying with concentrated ammonia and extracting 

with methylene chloride. 

TLC was run on Whatman silica gel 60 plates divided 

into lanes. 

Developing solvent was Methylene chloride-Methanol- 

Concentrated Ammonia (80:15:1). 

Detection was with either Ehrlich’s reagent or 0.1% 

Xanthydrol reagent (0.1 g Xanthydrol in 95 ml EtOH and 5 

ml concentrated HCl. 

(Tryptamines turn purple and methoxylated tryptamines 

turn blue with Xanthydrol.) 

Reference standards initially used Psychotria viridis leaf 

isolate for DMT. 

Pure and relatively pure DMT and 5-MeO-DMT were 

also used as additional reference standards as they were 

available. 

Screening for potential β-carbolines was done using 

extracts of Banisteriopsis caapi and/or a mixture of harmine 

and harmaline isolated from Peganum harmala (via 

Hasenfratz’s method) as reference standards (using UV to 

visualize.) We found none.

Other members of the Aizoaceae 

Nananthus species and Rabeia species 

Many former Nananthus species have been transferred 

to the Genus Rabeia. 

Treat like Delosperma. Many have thick tuberous roots 

which must be allowed room in order for the plant to thrive. 

Most are said to be frost tolerant but we have not shared this 

experience. They do not like being water logged or being in 

full sun. They do like some sun and bright light the rest of 

the time. They do not fare well in either Central Texas’ 

summer heat or winter extremes. In spite of their reputation 

as lovers of sun and heat, these might be better approached 

as summer cooled greenhouse plants. 

In spite of Emboden’s mention of Nananthus albinotus 

as being psychoactively employed we must wonder if this 

was an accurate identification of the actual species used. 

With the one minor exception of observing faint traces of 

DMT in a November 1995 assay of Nananthus aloides, the 

target alkaloids were not observed in any of the Nananthus 

or Rabeia spp. assayed. 

Apparently at least Nananthus wilmaniae may be 

employed as a fermentation organism source as HARGREAVES 

1998 notes that it has been listed as a moervygie (“yeast 

mesemb”) by SMITH 1966. 

Presence of an occasionally dark non-migrating Ehrlich 

reactive smear at the origin was frequently observed. Our 

only assays of Nananthus albinotus ie Rabeia albinota, 

showed no target alkaloids present. Our summers are much 

too hot and our winters too wet and consequently most 

Nananthus and Rabeia species did not survive for summer 

and fall assays, or else their growth did not produce enough 

material for later assays. 

Summary of other Aizoaceous TLC alkaloid 

screening 

Plate #88 Spring 1994: 

Nananthus transvaalensis [Note 10] No alkaloids 

observed 

Nananthus aff. broomii No alkaloid observed. 

Nananthus aloides No alkaloids observed 

Psychotria viridis standard Nice DMT band; weaker one of 

lower Rf present. 


14 

Plate #89 Spring 1994: 

Rabeia albipunctata (Skinny leafed form) (Non-migrating 

dark smears at origin) No bands observed in tlc field. 

Rabeia albipunctata (Fat leafed form) (same dark smears) 

No bands observed in tlc field. 

Rabeia albipuncta (same dark smears) No bands observed 

in tlc field. 

Rabeia albinota ? Naudesberg Pass (same dark smears) 

No bands observed in tlc field. 

Psychotria viridis standard Nice DMT band and one 

lighter of lower Rf. 

Plate #91: 

Aizoaceae (Mestoklema sp.) No alkaloids observed. 

Psychotria viridis standard Nice dark DMT band and dark 

one with long horns near origin 

Plate #107 Assay 29 July 1994: 

All samples in this set except for DMT standard had nonmigrating 

smears at the origin. In the case of many of the 

Desmanthus samples they were very dark and broad. 

Samples dried at 105 o F. 

Rabeia albipunctata (whole plant-not in good health) 4 

July 94 (Non-migrating faint smears at origin) No 

alkaloids observed in tlc field. 

Psychotria viridis standard. Nice DMT band somewhat darker 

one of low Rf. Very dark smear at origin. 

Plate #124 December 1995 Assays: 

Rabeia albinota Fall 1994 (Sample kept frozen after 

drying.) No alkaloid observed. 

Nananthus aloides 2 Nov. 1995 Faint DMT band and 

faint ones of higher and lower Rf. 

Used pure reference standards and also P. viridis isolate. 

Nananthus albinotus now Rabeia albinota 

showing seedpod 

lower left 

commercial tablets of Sceletium tortuosum 

Marketed as an OTC SSRI

Some Other Succulents Held to be Sacred, 

Medicinal or Useful 

Monadenium lugardae N.E.BR. 

This plant is known as ‘Mahumula’ or ‘Tshulu’ among 

the Chopi, and ‘Mhlebe’ by both the Swati and Zulu. 

[WATT & BREYER-BRANDWIJK 1962] 

While not members of the AIZOACEAE, we decided to 

include plants such as the Euphorbiaceous Monadenium 

simply because they are succulents and there seemed no 

better place for them. 

EMBODEN 1972 and WATT & BREYER-BRANDWIJK 1962 

mention that a piece of the root of this plant is chewed and 

swallowed (“before a big ‘indaba’ ”) to produce visions 

used for divining and prophetic purposes by the 

sangomas, ritual diviners and oracles of the Piet Retief 

region of the Eastern Transvaal. WATT & BREYER-BRANDWIJK 

1962 says that in sufficient quantities the roots are believed 

to produce hallucinations and delirium. They and WATT 

1967 state that the plant is widely used as medicine in the 

Piet Retief area. 

Monadenium lugardae (above) 

Deloserma sp. Kalkkraal (right) 


15 

Monadenium lugardae is incorporated into a gonorrhea 

remedy in Portuguese East Africa and said to be poisonous 

and emetic if taken alone. 

It is believed by the Zulu and the Swati that to touch the 

plant or to lie in its shadow will bring certain and violent 

death. WATT & BREYER-BRANDWIJK comment that their 

informant found this belief so strong that local people refused 

to believe the plant [that he had collected] was genuine 

simply because he was able to handle it without harm. 

They further mention that the latex from young growth is 

believed to be anesthetic and used in the ceremony of 

throwing the bones. Plant ash is rubbed into scarifications 

to relieve pain and is used for rheumatism by the Nyanja. 

The eating of the root is said to cause a burning in 

the mouth & esophagus and to produce rapid death. 

There are no alkaloids reported from this species which 

have been proven or even indicated to be capable of inducing 

hallucinations. Bioactive components are known; SMITH et 

al. 1996 cited GUNDIDZA 1985, 1990 & 1991. Insecticidal 

activity has been reported; SMITH et al. 1996 cited GUNDIDZA 

1986. Further work is needed. 

WATT 1967 suggests Monadenium guentheri PAX.* 

(Tanganyika), Monadenium heteropodium N.E.BR. 

(Tanganyika), Monadenium invenustum N.E.BR. (South 

Africa), and Monadenium schubei PAX.* (South Africa and 

Tanganyika) be investigated for similar properties. (All but 

M. invenustum are readily available as ornamental plants.) 

Monadenium invenustum is used internally as a leaf 

decoction, by the Kamba, for “febrile and chest affections”; 

WATT & BREYER-BRANDWIJK 1962 

Monadenium schubei latex, mixed with food, is used by 

the Pare in Tanganyika as a mild purgative; WATT & BREYER- 

BRANDWIJK 1962 

Monadenium lugardae is a very attractive plant with 

smooth diamond shaped bumps on a green stem. Many 

times, similar species of Monadenium are sold; misrepresented 

as M. lugardae. Most specialist suppliers are aware of the 

problem and offer the true species. M. lugardae is perhaps 

the most readily available species but a number are in 

cultivation among collectors. 

One 1995 mail-order catalog listed 9 species of 

Monadenium and one additional variety as retail stock. 

At least 4 more species are also readily available.

Some examples: When actively growing and flowering Monadenium grows 

leaves (and small odd flowers) at the top. 

Full sun is tolerated but they will do far better with partial 

sun. They will survive even in low light conditions as house 

plants but will not grow very much. 

Water should be withheld from them when the leaves are 

absent but during hot weather or whenever leaves are present, 

they should be watered heavily and as frequently as the soil 

dries out. 

Monadenium 

heteropodum 

Tanganyika 67.0084 

Monadenium ritchei 

Monadenium schubei 


16 

They can often handle light freezes but should be protected 

from temperatures below 28 o F. Most succulent references 

say protect them below 45 o F. 

It is best to use a cactus-type soil with excellent drainage 

but it should be richer than that for most cacti. 

Easily grown and propagated. Both clusters of stems and 

masses of tuberous roots are rapidly formed. Usually growth 

is fast and they also rapidly form many tuberous roots. 

Clumps can be root divided; they also root well from cuttings. 

Prevent them from becoming root-bound in order to 

maintain good health. Either place them in a larger pot or 

break the plant into smaller ones, dividing the roots as you 

do so. All Euphorbiaceous species with freely bleeding white 

sap should have the cut ends first rinsed in clean water to 

remove excess sap and then be allowed to dry long enough 

for the milk to coagulate before being replanted. 

I do not know if the juice is toxic to contact or not. While 

never having experienced any problems, I would prefer to 

err on the side of caution and urge you to prevent skin contact 

with any milky white succulent juice and to promptly wash 

any that does occur with soap and warm water. Euphorbia 

spp. in particular can be quite toxic and sometimes are also 

intensely caustic. 

As Monadeniums resemble other Euphorbias and also 

have freely bleeding white milky sap, I have never judged 

them safe enough to sample. 

I first bought this plant on an urge, unlabeled and unrooted, 

several years before reading Emboden. Unless finding reliable 

verified reports of ritual use and a nonlethal dose in humans, 

I have no plans to bioassay this one. 

Monadeniums are very nice plants to have around. Weird 

and beautiful; they are easily grown. Many commercial 

suppliers exist. We recommend them highly as an addition 

to any plant collection. 

Euphorbiaceous plants are known or reputed to be, at 

least occasionally, incorporated as additives, or else used as 

supplemental additions or even substitutes, to traditional 

hallucinogenic sacraments. 

Plant said to be so used include Alchornea castaneifolia 

and Hura crepitans which are sometimes admixture plants 

incorporated into ayahuasca. 

Pedilanthus tithymaloides finds use as an ingredient in 

the purported San Pedro brew known as cimora. Assorted 

Pedilanthus species are employed in ethnomedicine, added 

to ayahuasca or else incorporated into the San Pedro brew. 

Alchornea floribunda and Elaeophorbia drupifera [Note 

11] are associated with Iboga. Some, such as the latter two, 

are apparently active and used on their own or with each 

other.

Alchornea latifolia SW. was shown by DURAND et al. 

1962 to contain the neurotransmitter GABA. 

Sebastiania pavonia is rumored to be hallucinogenic. See 

SCHULTES & HOFMANN 1980 & 1992 and OTT 1993 & 1994 & 

1995. 

Chemical and pharmacological work are needed. All are 

probably toxic 

Mildbraedia fallax HUTCH. is said to be irritant, emetic, 

purgative, and narcotic by WATT & BREYER-BRANDWIJK, its 

active principle is said to be the highly volatile methylamine. 

Methylamine has also been reported from Mercurialis 

annua L. 

Euphorbias in general should be considered highly toxic. 

The milky sap of those such as Euphorbia officinarum, E. 

orabensis and E. resinifera cause serious harm if contacting 

the eyes or wounds, yet many are used medicinally. See 

WATT & BREYER-BRANDWIJK 1962 for a nice discussion of the 

African EUPHORBIACEAE. The Moroccan Euphorbia resinifera 

is used to produce a resinous gummy exudate when the 

corners of the stems are notched and the milky sap allowed 

to bleed and dry. This “euphorbium” is a drug known from 

ancient times as a healing substance and is still employed in 

veterinary medicine. ‘Euphorbium’ is similarly obtained from 

E. canariensis and E. antiquorum. See JACOBSEN 1960 

Euphorbia decussata is said by HARGREAVES 1998 to be 

used in making honey-beer. The Korana name for it is bi:bib 

[it is also known as kirrimoer sikkirie]. It appears to be 

used as a fermentation organism source as it is believed to be 

a “kareemoer” plant [karee: honey-beer (Khoikhoi) and 

moer: yeast (South African Dutch)] HARGREAVES cited 

ENGLBRECHT 1936 & WHITE et al. 1941. The use of Euphorbia 

davyi in khadi making is said to produce a very strong brew. 

It is known as tschoo-takhadu in Botswana. HARGREAVES 

1998 cited HARGREAVES 1993 

“Narcotic effects” have been reported (in Ghana and South 

Africa) from Euphorbia convolvuloides HOCHST., Euphorbia 

helioscopia L., Euphorbia pubescens VAHL. and Euphorbia 

tiruealli L.; WATT 1967 refers to: AINSLIE 1937, BURTT-DAVY 

1913, STEYN 1929, STEYN 1933 and VAN DER WALT & STEYN 

1940. 

Not all Euphorbias are poisonous. Euphorbia esculenta 

(from Willowmore, South Africa) is used for cattle fodder. 

Euphorbia hamata (from Little Namaqualand) is known 

by the Afrikaaners as ‘Beeskraag’ (Oxen’s Strength). It is 

claimed that when these plants are fed to fatigued oxen they 

are enabled to work as strongly as ever. See JACOBSEN 1960. 

Numerous Euphorbiaceous plants are used in 

ethnomedicine. 

Euphorbia pennicillata Millsp. finds its roots used as a 

purgative in Peru. YACOVLEFF & HERRERA 1935 

A couple of the Mexican species: 

Euphorbia maculata Linn. has its juice applied for 

ringworm and other skin diseases. It’s common name is 

“Yerba de la Golodrina.” HOLMES 1921 

Phyllanthus lathyroides H.B.&K. Leaf decoction is used 

to wash eye infection. A poultice made from moistened leaves 

is applied to boils. Leaf tea is used as an emetic. Common 

name: “shka-nin-du” (Mazatec in Mexico). SCHULTES 1969: 

page 142. 


17 

A variety of medicinal applications are known involving 

other succulents. 

Aloe africana, Aloe ferox, Aloe perryi, Aloe succotrina 

and Aloe vera are perhaps the best known sources for their 

bitter principle aloin which finds use as a powerful laxative 

drug. Aloe arborescens (Barbados Aloe) and Aloe vera are 

well known and widely used as a topical burn treatment. 

Aloe vera juice, taken internally, is also widely used in 

folk medicine for treating ulcers and gastroenteritis. Its active 

principle acemannan has been approved by the FDA for 

veterinary use (injected) to help localize and nodulate 

tumors to make them easier to remove surgically. There is 

also the interesting veterinary study by SHEETS and coworkers 

in the March 1991 issue of Molecular Biotherapy, in which 

they reported a successful treatment of a significant fraction 

of cats afflicted with feline leukemia using intravenous 

acemannan. 

For related articles on medicinal uses of Aloe vera, see: 

GRIBEL & PASHINSKI 1986 

MCANALLEY et al. 1988 

PERRY et al. 1991 

PULSE & UHLIG 1990 

SOEDA 1969 

And, for a list of references on studies involving Aloe 

juice or extracts for treating burns, cancers, inflammation, 

diabetes, ulcers, infections and hepatic lesions, see 

HEDENDAL 

Many different succulents from several families are used 

world wide as sources of sugar and other carbohydrates for 

brewing alcoholic beverages. Probably the most famous is 

Agave atrovirens, the source of, what is generally held as 

the Mexican national drink, ‘pulque’. 

A number of the Mesembryanthemums find their leaves 

consumed for thirst by both people and animals due to 

their high water content. 

Numerous succulents are eaten as food. 

Several of the Mesembryanthemums are used as local 

foods in South Africa. Some, such as Carpobrotus 

acinaciformis L.BOL. and Carpobrotus edulis L.BOL. are 

cultivated for their sweet fruits (‘Hottentot Figs’). C. 

deliciosus L.BOL., C. fourcadei L.BOL. and C. muirii L.BOL. 

are also used for their fruit. 

Lithops hookeri SCHW. and Mesembryanthemum 

crystallinum L. are both eaten as food. 

Nananthus aloides SCHW. roots are also eaten by humans. 

An herbarium note presented by VON REIS ALTSCHUL 1973 

[entry number 932] indicates that Trianthema 

portulacastrum is used as a vegetable in Siam. 

Tetragonia expansa and Tetragonia tetragonioides are 

widely cultivated for food and usually are known as New 

Zealand spinach, Malabar spinach or sea spinach. Others, 

such as Tetragonia schenkii ENGL., have proven livestock 

toxicity. (Fatal to sheep in experimental dosages of 250 and 

500 grams.) 

Many Aizoaceous members have a substantial oxalic acid 

content. Many are a good source of ascorbic acid. Besides 

various alkaloids in varying amounts, they often contain a 

variety of mineral and organic salts and sometimes small 

organic acids which can cause problems in grazing animals 

[Note 12]

In spite of this, they are highly prized as essential grazing 

material in many parts of southern Africa. 

Stock are known to safely eat: Dactylopsis digitata 

N.E.BR., Drosanthemum floribundum SCHW., 

Drosanthemum lique SCHW., Eberlandzia spinosa SCHW., 

Galenia africana L., Lithops hookeri SCHW., Mestoklema 

tuberosum N.E.BR. and var. macrorhizum N.E.BR. Goats 

are said to eat Pleiospilos bolusii N.E.Br. and Pleiospilos 

simulans N.E.Br. 

The Portulacaceous Anacampseros rhodesica N.E.BR. has 

been used (in Rhodesia) as an ingredient in beer making 

WATT 1967 refers to WILD 1953. It is also thought to have 

narcotic effects of its own. WATT refers to DORNAN 1927- 

1930. Anacampseros papyraceae, A. rhodesica & A. ustulata 

are said by HARGREAVES 1998 to have been listed under the 

name moerhoutjie by SMITH 1966 implying their use was as 

a yeast source. Similarly A. alstoni is also said to be used 

for yeast. The use of Anacampseros rhodesica has been 

outlawed in Zimbabwe. 

Clearly both the Mesembryanthemums and a broad range 

of succulents bear much closer scrutiny and evaluation. 

Miscellaneous <strong>Notes</strong> on other members of 

the AIZOACEAE 

A number of Aizoceous plants are used medicinally or 

else thought or known to be poisonous. A mention of species 

thought to contain mesembrine was presented earlier. 

A brief list of some of the AIZOACEAE follows; more 

information can be found by consulting WATT & BREYER- 

BRANDWIJK 1962, our source for most of the following 

information or see pages 233 & 234-235. 

Conophytum spp. were mentioned earlier as suspected 

narcotic plants. 

Corbichonia decumbens EXCELL. is used by the Zulu as a 

root decoction for biliousness and in larger amounts as an 

emetic. 

A Drosanthemum species (“prob. Drosanthemum 

hispidum Schw.”) proved toxic to rabbits in experiments. It 

was found to have a moisture content of 62% and an oxalic 

acid content of 26.6%. Drosanthemum floribundum is 

proven to be an excellent feed for stock, ewes, lambs and 

ostriches in spite of the possible identification of mesembrine 

by ZWICKY. 

Galenia africana L. is chewed by the Hottentots for 

toothaches; said to cause blisters if too much is used. 

Hymenocylus smithii L.BOL.: a 720 gram dosage was 

proven to produce death in sheep within 8 hours. 

Khadia acutipetala N.E.BR. roots are used in the 

Transvaal for making ‘kaffir beer’ and the leaves for a hot 

water extract, used by the southern Rhodesian Manyika for 

application to sore eyes. 

Mesembryanthemum aitonis JACQ. is suspected of causing 

poisoning in cattle. Experimental administration produced 

pharmacological effects but not death in a dosage of 4 

kilograms. 

Mesembryanthemum mahoni N.E.BR. (“which is now 

either Delosperma mahoni N.E.BR. or Glottiphyllum 

linguiforme N.E.BR.”) roots are used by the Bantu for 

making an intoxicating beer. It is sometimes used by 

Europeans for breadmaking but this is considered a dangerous 


18 

practice.) [JACOBSEN 1960 considers M. mahoni to be 

Delosperma mahonii.] 

Mestoklema tuberosum N.E.BR. is similarly used for 

brewing intoxicating beverages and occasionally for bread 

making, by Europeans. It apparently is a better source of 

yeast than M. mahonii. HARGREAVES 1998 comments that it 

tested positive for an alkaloid (apparently unidentified) but 

appears to lack reports of intoxicating effects. 

Interestingly, a Pleiospilos species was determined to 

have a pharmacological activity similar to Sceletium (when 

prepared similarly and chewed). Anonymous 2004 

Psilocaulon absimile N.E.BR. was noticed to be 

responsible for livestock poisoning and found to contain 

several principles capable of killing animals. Dry plant 

contains 8.66% oxalic acid and also 4.5% piperidine [Note 

13]. Moisture content was found to be 67.75%. 

Ruschia saxicola L.BOL. is suspected in livestock deaths 

but oral evaluations in rabbits were negative. 

Sceletium anatomicum L.BOL. This was prepared “In 

the early days” by the Hottentots by beating the whole plant 

together, twisting this and allowing the mass to ferment. It 

was chewed to quench thirst and is said to be intoxicating if 

chewed immediately after fermentation. Hottentots prized 

it for increasing strength. It is said to be narcotic and is used 

as a sedative by native people in the Willowmore district. 

STEYN was unable to observe these effects in animal studies. 

The plant is chewed by the Bushman as an intoxicant. 

Bushman mothers also use it to quiet infants. One drop of 

the fresh juice is claimed to produce as much as 5 hours of 

sleep in a baby. The intoxicating effect observed in Bushman 

users is said to be “marked and persistent.” 

Sceletium tortuosum N.E.BR. is also chewed by the 

Hottentots for toothache. It was also used as mentioned 

above for S. anatomicum It is said to be narcotic only after 

fermentation. It is used as a narcotic in the Queenstown 

district. The aerial portions of the plant is combined with 

those of S. expansum and used under the name ‘kougoed’ 

by the Bushman in Namaqualand. HERRE 1971 commented 

that there was still a commercial market locally for this plant. 

Trichodiadema stellatum is used for brewing beer and for 

bread making. HARGREAVES 1998 notes that it is believed to 

contain an intoxicating alkaloid (“probably mesembrine”) 

Positive general alkaloid tests in the AIZOACEAE, 

(by ZWICKY): 

Aptenia cordifolia SCHW. 

Aridaria splendens SCHW. 

Aridaria umbelliflora SCHW. 

Delosperma cooperi L.BOL. 

Delosperma ecklonis SCHW. 

Delosperma lehmannii SCHW. 

Delosperma subincanum SCHW. 

Drosanthemum floribundum SCHW. 

Drosanthemum hispidum SCHW. 

Lampranthus scaber N.E.BR. 

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum N.E.BR. 

Mestoklema tuberosum N.E.BR. 

Oscularia caulescens SCHW. 

Prenia relaxata N.E.BR. 

Ruschia congesta L.BOL. 

Ruschia multiflorum SCHW. 

Ruschia rubricaulis L.BOL.

Ruschia tumidula SCHW. 

Sceletium expansum L.BOL. 

Sceletium tortuosum N.E.BR. 

Trichodiadema intonsum SCHW. 

Trichodiadema stellatum SCHW. 

From WATT & BREYER-BRANDWIJK 1962: page 4. 

All of the above and also Lampranthus glomeratum 

N.E.Br. and Glottiphyllum lingueforme N.E.BR. are 

considered by HERRE 1971 to contain at least some 

Mesembrine. He offers no references to support this. 

A point to remember is that mesembrine (mesembrin) as 

was isolated and named by HARTWICH & ZWICKY in 1914 

was an amorphous base that most likely was actually a 

mixture of alkaloids. 

Mesembs reported to contain mesembrine alkaloids: 

Carpobrotus acinaciformis (L.) L.Bol. 

Carpobrotus edulis (L.) L.Bol. (unconfirmed) 

Drosanthemum floribundum SCHW. 

Drosanthemum hispidum SCHW. (unconfirmed) 

Sceletium anatomicum (HAW.) L.BOL. (unconfirmed) 

Sceletium expansum (L.) L.BOL. 

Sceletium namaquense L.BOL. 

Trichodiadema barbatum SCHWANTES (unconfirmed) 

Trichodiadema bulbosum (MILLER) SCHWANTES 

(unconfirmed) 

Trichodiadema intonsum (HAW.) SCHWANTES 

(unconfirmed) 

FESTI & SAMORINI 1995 

Mesembryanthemum Reviews: 

FESTI & SAMORINI 1995 

SMITH et al. 1996 

Miscellaneous <strong>Notes</strong> on some additional Aizoaceous 

Chemistry 

Note that the alkaloids mentioned by SMITH et al. 1998 

were all at trace levels except for Sceletium tortuosum and 

Aptenia cordifolia, Delosperma pruinosum & D. minimum 

which had much lower concentrations than did the Sceletium. 

Unidentified alkaloids were present at low to moderate levels 

in D. cooperi, D. pottsii & Lampracanthus aureus 

Aptenia cordifolia (L.f.) SCHWANT. 

4’-O-demethylmesembrenol, 

mesembrine & 3 unidentified alkaloids 


Aptenia cordifolia 

bottom right 


19 

Bergeranthus scapiger (HAW.) N.E.BR 

4’-O-demethylmesembrenol & mesembrenone 


Channa (the prepared drug) was determined to contain 

mesembrine, mesembrenone and channanine by 

BODENDORF & KRIEGER 1957 [from JEFFS et al. 1969] 

Alkaloid content said to range from 1-1.5% with 

mesembrine at 0.7% and mesembrenine at 0.2% 

POPELAK & LETTENBAAUER 1967 

See comments earlier from SMITH et al. 1998 

Conophytum spp. 

Said to contain dopaxanthin. [citing WYLER 1979 which 

simply mentions it.] 

vulgaxanthin I 

i.e. (4-[[(4-Amino-1-carboxy-4oxobutyl)imino]ethylidene]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2,6pyridinedicarboxylic 

acid) 

SOUTHON & BUCKINGHAM cited PIATELLI et al. 1965 and SINGER 

et al. 1980. (But meaning SINGER & ELBE 1980). 

All of these isolated this compound from beets rather than 

Conophytum! 

Conophytum lekkersingense

Delosperma cooperi (HOOK.f.) L.BOL. forma cooperi 

4’-O-demethylmesembrenol, mesembrenone & 1 

unidentified alkaloid 

Delosperma lebombense (L.BOL.) LAVIS 

Mesembrenone & 2 unidentified alkaloids 

Delosperma minimum LAVIS 


unidentified alkaloids 

Delosperma obtusum L.BOL. 

4’-O-demethylmesembrenol 

Delosperma pruinosum (THUNB.) J.INGRAM 

4’-O-demethylmesembrenol, mesembrine, 

mesembrenone & 2 unidentified alkaloids 

Delosperma pottsii (L.BOL.) L.BOL. 


mesembrenone & 4 unidentified alkaloids 

Delosperma rogersii (SCHOENL. & BERGER) L.BOL. var. 

rogersii 

4’-O-demethylmesembrenol & 2 unidentified 

alkaloids 


Drosanthemum floribundum (HAW.) SCHWANT. 

1 kg. of the flowers were found to contain the pigments: 

caffeyl-feruloyl-betanin (12 mg.), caffeyl-feruloylisobetanin 

(5 mg.), caffeyl-betanin (7 mg.) and 

caffeyl-isobetanin (4 mg.) (all are acylated 

betacyanins) 

IMPELLIZZERI et al. 1973 

Drosanthemum hispidum (L.) SCHWANT. var. hispidum 

4’-O-demethylmesembrenol & mesembrenone 

Drosanthemum bicolor L.BOL. 




Glottiphyllum longum (HAW.) N.E.BR. 

10 grams of flower petals yielded 3 mg. of the orange 

betaxanthin pigment, dopaxanthin. 

IMPELLIZZERI et al. 1973 

Glottiphyllum longum (HAW.) N.E.BR var. longum 

1 unidentified alkaloid SMITH et al. 1998 

Glottiphyllum longum 


20 

Lampranthus aureus (L.) N.E.BR. 



Lampranthus blandus 

Mesembrenone & 2 unidentified alkaloids 

Lampranthus coccineus (HAW.) N.E.BR 

Mesembrenone & 1 unidentified alkaloid 

Lampranthus deltoides (L.) WIJNANDS 

1 unidentified alkaloid 

Lampranthus roseus (WILLD.) SCHWANT. 

Mesembrenone & 1 unidentified alkaloid 

Lampranthus spectabilis (HAW.) N.E.BR. subsp. 

spectabilis 




Lampranthus aureus 

Mesembryanthemum conspicuum 

Mesembryanthemum edule 

Mesembryanthemum floribundum 

Mesembryanthemins (Structures unknown. Glycosides 

of betanidin or isobetanidin. Pigments. I-III are recognized. 

SOUTHON & BUCKINGHAM cited PIATELLI et al. 1964 

Oscularia deltoides 


Ruschia lineolata (HAW.) SCHWANT. 


Sceletium expansum (as Mesembryanthemum 

expansum) 

Mesembrine MERCK 9 th cited HARTWICK & ZWICKY 1914 

and RIMINGTON et al. 1938 

Sceletium joubertii L.BOL. 

0.1% total crude alkaloid (dry weight?) 

Hordenine (from aerial parts) 

(S)-Joubertiamine (from aerial parts) 

(4-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2cyclohexen-1-one)

2,3-Dihydrojoubertiamine (from aerial parts) 

(4-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2cyclohexanone) 

Dehydrojoubertiamine (trace alkaloid from aerial parts) 

(4-[2-(Dimethylamino)ethyl]-4-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-2,5c 

y c l o h e x a d i e n - 1 - o n e ) 

ARNDT & KRUGER 1970 

Joubertinamine (0.009% by fresh weight) 

i.e. (4-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[2-(methylamino)ethyl]- 

2-cyclohexen-1-ol or 4-(N-methyl-amnoethyl)-4-(3,4dimethoxyphenyl)cyclohexyl-2-en-1-ol) 

PSOTTA et al. 1979 

Sceletium joubertii 

Photo by Kamm 

Sceletium namaquense L.BOL. 

4-[3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[2- 

(acetylmethylamino)ethyl] cyclohexanone [i.e. 4-[2- 

(Acetylmethylamino)ethyl]-4-(4-hydroxy-3methoxyphenyl)-2,4-cyclohexadien-1-one 

according to 

SOUTHON & BUCKINGHAM] 

4-(3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4-[2- 

(acetylmethylamino)ethyl] cyclohexadienone [i.e. 4- 

[3-(Acetylmethylamino)ethyl]-4-(4-hydroxy-3,4dimethoxyphenyl)-2,4-cyclohexadien-1-one 

according to 

SOUTHON & BUCKINGHAM] 

JEFFS et al. 1982 

N-Acetyl-N-methyl-N,7a-secomesembrine (minor 

component) 

N-Methyl-4'-O-demethyl-N,7asecomesembradienone 

(minor component) 

SOUTHON & BUCKINGHAM cited JEFFS 1981 

Sceletium Alkaloid A4 i.e. (3a-(3,4-Dimethoxyphenyl)2,3,3a,4,5,9b-hexahydro- 

1-methyl-1H-pyrrolo[2,3-f]quinoline) (small amounts) 

CAPPS et al. 1977, JEFFS et al. 1971c, 1974a & 1982 


21 

Sceletium Dihydropyridone base (not named in 

reference) 

SOUTHON & BUCKINGHAM cited JEFFS et al. 1982 

Mesembrenone (AKA Mesembrenine or Mesembrinine) 

CAPPS et al. 1977 & JEFFS et al. 1982 

SOUTHON & BUCKINGHAM cited POPELAK et al. 1960 

[4’-O-Demethylmesembrenone 

SOUTHON & BUCKINGHAM cited JEFFS et al. 1974 but the 

only reference to this compound included in their 

experimental section was that isolated from S. 

strictum.] 

∆ 7 -Mesembrenone 

(-)-Mesembrine 

(-)-Mesembrane (minor alkaloid) 

(-)-3’-Methoxy-4’-O-methyljoubertiamine (minor 

alkaloid) 


(-)-3’-Methoxy-4’-O-methyljoubertiaminol 


Sceletenone (minor alkaloid) 

JEFFS et al. 1974a 

Tortuosamine 


N-Formyltortuosamine 

JEFFS et al. 1974a & JEFFS et al. 1982 

(not observed by CAPPS et al. 1977; used only to 

prepare a reference sample of tortuosamine) 

N-Acetyltortuosamine 

Dihydropyridone base related to Sceletium alkaloid 

A 4 


Unidentified alkaloids 

CAPPS et al. 1977 & JEFFS et al. 1974a & 1982 

Sceletium strictum L.BOL. 

Channaine (Thought to probably be an artifact derived 

from dimerization of normesembrenone following 

racemization) 

ABOU-DONIA et al. 1978 (See also JEFFS 1981; review) 

Mesembrenol 

JEFFS et al. 1970, JEFFS et al. 1974b & JEFFS et al. 1978 

JEFFS et al. 1971a (70-90% of total alkaloid: used whole 

plants; 1-2 years old from seed) 

O-Acetylmesembrenol 

4’-O-Demethylmesembranol 

4’-O-Demethylmesembrenol 


4’-O-Demethylmesembrenone 

JEFFS et al. 1974a & JEFFS et al. 1978 

Mesembrine (N-Methyl-3a-(3’,4’dimethoxyphenyl)6-oxo-cis-octahydroindole) 

JEFFS et al. 1971a [1% of total alkaloid (used whole plants; 

1-2 years old from seed)] 

JEFFS et al. 1970 (used 3 year old plants) 

JEFFS et al. 1974b & JEFFS et al. 1978 

(also observed in JEFFS et al. 1971b) 

N-Demethylmesembrenol 

SOUTHON & BUCKINGHAM cited KRUGER et al. 1971 

Mesembrenone (AKA Mesembrenine or Mesembrinine) 

JEFFS et al. 1970 & JEFFS et al. 1974b 

(Also observed in JEFFS et al. 1971b)

N-Demethyl-formylmesembrenone 

KARLE 1977 (investigated structure) cited KARLE 1976 as 

isolating it. 

N-Demethylmesembranol 

SOUTHON & BUCKINGHAM cited CAPPS et al. 1977 but this 

citation is apparently in error 

(-)-Mesembranol (AKA Mesembrinol) 

JEFFS et al. 1970 & JEFFS et al. 1978 

Also observed in JEFFS et al. 1971b and by 

SHAMMA & RODRIGUEZ 1965 (from JEFFS et al. 1969) 

SOUTHON & BUCKINGHAM cited SMITH et al. 1961 

Sceletenone 


Sceletium subvelutinum L.BOL. 

N,N-Dimethyltyramine (Hordenine) 

O-Methyljoubertiamine [i.e. (4-[2- 

(Dimethylamino)ethyl]-4-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2cyclohexen-1-one)] 

[also by NIEWENHUIS et al. 1981] 

O-Methyldehydrojoubertiamine 

O-Methyldihydrojoubertiamine [NIEWENHUIS et al. 1981] 

Dehydrojoubertiamine 

Joubertiamine 

Dihydrojoubertiamine 

HERBERT & KATTAH 1990 


Sceletium subvelutinum 

Photo by Kamm 


22 

Sceletium tortuosum N.E.BR. 


mesembrenone & 2 unidentified alkaloids [4’-Odemethylmesembrenol, 

mesembrine, mesembrenone were 

present in a ratio of 8.1:100:69.4] 


Sceletium Alkaloid A [i.e. (3a-(3,4- 

4 

Dimethoxyphenyl)2,3,3a,4,5,9b-hexahydro-1-methyl- 

1H-pyrrolo[2,3-f]quinoline.)] 

SNYCKERS et al. 1971 citing unpublished results of F.O. 

Snyckers, H.W. Pretorius & A. Weichers. 

Channaine (Thought to probably be an artifact derived 

from dimerization of normesembrenone following 

racemization) 

ABOU-DONIA et al. 1978 

See also JEFFS 1981; review. 

Mesembrine 

[MERCK 9th cited HARTWICK & ZWICKY 1914 and RIMINGTON 

et al. 1938. See comments earlier. 

Mesembrinone 



Mesembranol (AKA Mesembrinol) 



SOUTHON & BUCKINGHAM cited SMITH et al. 1961. 

Tortuosamine 




Photo by Kamm

Endnotes for Some other Succulents 

Note 1: The name Mesembryanthemum is used for the 

genus which includes the common ‘Ice Plants’ (usually 

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) now found as road side 

plantings and well established along the western coast of the 

United States. More frequently it is used to describe a 

multigeneric group, known as ‘ice plants” or ‘living stones’, 

which are known collectively as the mesembryanthemums. 

Some, such as Lithops spp. are very popular among cactus 

and succulent collectors. Many suppliers specialize in these 

fascinating succulents. 

Note 2: Observations being mentioned are ours. The 

published literature has reported DMT’s presence in all 

except D. leptolobus which is lacking any in-depth or formal 

analysis despite its ongoing use as a sacramental hallucinogen 

in humans. 

Note 3: Most members of the MESEMBRYANTHEMACEAE have 

been transferred to the AIZOACEAE, the rest have been scattered 

throughout other families. 

Note 4: Another South African genus of 

Mesembryanthemums, Conophytum spp., have been 

“reported to have narcotic properties.” by WATT 1967. His 

reference, WATT & BREYER-BRANDWIJK 1962 mentioned that 

the genus was considered to have narcotic properties by the 

late Dr. Louis Leipoldt. Apparently this was otherwise 

unpublished. 

I can locate no chemical or pharmacological evaluations of 

these beautiful little clump formers. There is little chance 

that these little ‘living pebbles’ would ever be confused with 

any of the other mesembs discussed here. 

Conophytum species are readily and widely available. 

(There are 290 described species.) They are somewhat tricky 

as they require a period of dormancy, similar to that of Lithops, 

when they appear to be dry and shriveled dead plant 

remnants. Removal of this apparently dead growth at any 

point will usually kill these plants. They must not be watered 

during the rest period but may require occasional light mistings 

to keep them alive. 

They grow readily from seed; many suppliers exist. 

Be certain to study their growth requirements well before 

attempting to grow these amazing ‘living stones’. 

Note 5: Both OTT and AARDVARK reported full activity 

from 25 grams of pounded (or finely ground) root bark that 

was soaked in two changes of cold neutral water; each for 

less than an hour. 

When questioned, at a Botanical Preservation Corps 

seminar on Maui during January of 1994, Dr. Dennis McKenna 

said Mimosa hostilis was thought to be active due to the 

presence of similar lignins but we have been unable to find 

any published work which proves (or supports) this except 

for Virola. 

The oral activity of Mimosa hostilis roots was an 

unexamined area pharmacologically until amazingly recently. 

See the 1999 Entheogen Review 8 (1): 22-24, for successful 

bioassays of cold water infusions reported by Jonathan Ott 

and David Aardvark. 

(Mimosa ophthalmocentra & M. verrucosa are also known 

to be used traditionally for jurema preparation.) 

young Boophane distacha 


23 

Note 6: The first stage is often characterized by aggression 

in some reports but even in early reports, mentioned in SAFFORD 

1916b, on page 553, it has also been noted that the tendency 

towards aggression in the first stage was present primarily in 

tribes of a militant and warlike nature and was absent in 

traditionally less violent societies. The second stage, when 

large amounts are used, of the lighter intoxication being 

followed by a fitful sleep and delirium is encountered more 

uniformly in the anthropological and ethnopharmacological 

literature. 

Note 7: Khadi appears to involve multiple plants including 

the fruits of Grewia species. Grewia species have been 

reported to contain many alkaloids including traces of βcarbolines. 

See ROSLER et al 1978. The production of the 

brew khadi is known to have arisen after the introduction of 

sugar by the Europeans but there is a distinct possibility that 

the plants involved reflects a prior ethnomedicinal familiarity 

to indigenous people. While the primary intoxicant in khadi 

appears to be alcohol, the complex of plants involved and the 

potential pharmacological interactions is an area in serious 

need of in-depth study. 

Note 8: On a specimen [DIETERLAN 142b] in the herbarium 

of the Agricultural Research Station in Maseru, Lesotho. 

It was given a local common name of Khadi. 

Note 9: “Acculturation”; Such a polite word for what is 

quite literally a deliberate if not systematic cultural 

extermination. 

A very few of the many intriguing but poorly investigated 

African medicinals: 

Boophane distacha (L.f.) HERB. [AMARYLLIDACEAE] Bulbs 

are used in initiation ceremonies by the South African Basuto. 

It is known to contain alkaloids but more work is needed to 

define their activity in humans. Ingestion of a bulb decoction 

has been proven to cause hallucinations; DESMET 1996 cited 

LAING 1979. NYAZEMA 1984 & GELFAND et al. 1985 list it as 

having traditional use in Zimbabwe to arouse animal spirits; 

DESMET 1996.

Ferraria glutinosa (Bak.) Rendle [IRIDACEAE] roots are 

said to have been used by the !Kung of the Kalahari to 

help enter an altered state of consciousness in trance dances. 

It is believed to help activate ‘num’ (the energy which 

originates from the gods) when used in conjunction with 

a complex proces of purification, diet & ritual. This may 

still be used by some but at least one group has apparently 

lost the knowledge of preparation and dosages in recent 

years when such information failed to be passed on by 

their elders. See Richard KATZ 1982. See also DOBKIN DE 

RIOS 1986 and WINKELMAN & DOBKIN DE RIOS 1989. 

“gwa” is a root I do not know an identity for. It is 

used by the !Kung of the Kalahari to help induce ‘kia’; 

an altered state of consciousness considered to be a 

prerequisite for healing practices. KATZ 1982 

Hartogia capensis L. f. (CELASTRACEAE), (from South 

Africa), the leaves of which are chewed for thirst, 

fatigue prevention and appetite suppression. WATT 

1967 cites WATT & BREYER-BRANDWIJK 1962. 

Lichtensteinia interrupta E. MEY. (from the Cape 

Province), the roots of which are used to make a 

narcotic drink. WATT 1967 cites DRAGENDORFF 1898. 

Mitragyna africana (RUBIACEAE) was once used as a 

leaf infusion by the Dyidé, a Bambara spirit medium 

cult, with applications as an initiatory catalyst and 

sacrament similar to those of the well known African 

sacrament Iboga (Tabernanthe iboga). Both its use and 

the Dyidé themselves were “suppressed” by the 

government in the 1940’s and driven to exist amidst 

great secrecy in remote areas of Mali. See IMPERATO 

1977 who cited G. CHEVON 1931. A hallucinatory 

principle has not been identified. 

Mostuea gabonica BAILLON & Mostuea stimulans 

A.CHEV. HERB. [LOGIANACEAE] (from Fernan-Vaz region 

of Gabon) Roots are chewed as an aphrodisiac and to 

prevent sleep during drumming and dancing [DESMET 

1996 cited CHEVALLIER 1946 & 1947] Alkaloids similar 

to gelsemine and sempervirine have been reported from 

the root bark of M. stimulans (0.33% total alkaloid 

content in rootbark) but neither was actually positively 

identified. DESMET 1996 cited PARIS & MOYSE-MIGNON 

1949].Gelsemine & sempervirine both occur in the 

common landscape plant Gelsemium sempervirens (L.) 

AIT which is suspected of causing visual hallucinations 

and has formerly been used as a stimulant but fell into 

disfavor due to a “dangerous” reputation. [Gelsemium 

is believed similar to but weaker than strychnine in its 

action. Strychnine is reputed to be hallucinogenic at 

sub-convulsive dosage levels] See MERCK Index. 

Pancratium trianthum HERB. [AMARYLLIDACEAE] 

Bulbs are claimed to be rubbed into cuts made on the 

head to induce visual hallucinations (by the !Kung in 

Botswana) SCHULTES & HOFMANN 1980. 

Schumanniophyton klaineanum (PIERRE) A. CHEV. 

bark is chewed in small amounts to prevent sleep. (In 

Gabon) Large dosages are said to produce “an 

exceptional degree of aphrodisiac action” and to be 

harmful to the health. WATT 1967 cites WALKER 1953. 

Voacanga bracteata [APOCYNACEAE] (from Gabon) 

has an herbarium voucher with an annotation that the 


24 

bark is used to get “high”. DESMET 1996 cited BISSET 

1985. 

Interesting overviews for many of these and other 

African medicinal plants can be found in WATT 1967 and 

in WATT & BREYER-BRANDWIJK 1962. See also DESMET 

1999. 

There is also the poorly understood complex of 

stimulants cooked with food and eaten in huge amounts 

by Masai warriors to attain courage, bravery and 

endurance; often leading to a frenzied state of CNS 

overload and eventual exhaustion. This has been variously 

said to include: Acacia spp. (Acacia nilotica, A. seyal bark 

& A. abyssinica roots), Albizia anthelmintica bark, Cissus 

quandangularis, Embelia kilimandschrika ENGL. (bark), 

Maesea lanceolata FORSK. (fruit and/or roots), Myrica 

spp., Pappea capensis (bark) & others. LEHMANN & 

MIHALYI 1982 

Note 10: HARGREAVES lists ntsakoro and motsoko as 

common names in Botswana and notes that it does not 

appear to be used as a fermentation organism source. 

Note 11: This plant was also a seldom used ordeal 

poison in the Ivory Coast region. Common names 

included baga, do, dohe, douo, faman, gbo, klatou, and 

tene. In some tribes, the accused had the latex spread on 

their eyes and guilt was pronounced if there was damage 

to the cornea. ROBB 1957 

Note 12: Due also to their high salt and mineral content 

many generate a highly basic ash which finds many uses 

in local medicines and soap making. Mesembryanthemum 

crystallinum is widely prized both as ash and as plants 

for soap making. The use of the fresh plant for cleaning is 

thought by some researchers to be due to their saponin 

content but as WATT & BREYER-BRANDWIJK point out this 

is no doubt substantially enhanced by the alkali nature of 

the plant itself. Sodium and potassium salts have been 

isolated from the leaves with yields of 43% by dry 

weight. 

Note 13: T.A. Henry p. 1, citing: 1935 Ber. 36: 2218; 

1927 Helv. Chim. Acta 10: 593; 1934 S. Afr. J. Sc. 31: 184. 

Piperidine is also found in: Petrosimonia monandra 

Author? 1939 J. Gen. Chem. URSS 9: 1687 

(N-Methylpiperidine is found in Girgensohnia.) 

Sceletium sp. nova 

An unnamed Sceletium collection determined by human 

bioassay to be at least as active as S. tortuosum

References for Some other Succulents 

Aardvark, David (Ed.) (1999) Entheogen Review (The 

Journal of Unauthorized Research on Visionary Plants 

and Drugs.) 8 (1): 22-24 [Ott & Aardvark’s MAOI-less 

jurema bioassays] 

Abou-Donia, A. et al. (1978) Journal of the Chemical 

Society D. Chemical Communications 1078-1079. 

“X-Ray Crystal and Molecular Structure of 

Channaine, an Unusual Alkaloid, Probably an 

Artefact from Sceletium strictum.” (Amina Abou- 

Donia, Peter W. Jeffs, Andrew T. McPhail & 

Richard W. Miller) 

Ainslie, J.R. (1937) A List of Plants Used in Native Medicine 

in Nigeria. Imperial Forestry Institute, Oxford. Institute 

Paper No. 7. 109 pages. (From WATT 1967) 

Bisset, N.G. (1985) Agricultural University Wageningen 

Papers 85 Number 3: 115-122. “Uses of Voacanga 

species.” [From DESMET 1996] 

Bodendorf, K. & P. Kloss (1961) Archiv der Pharmazie 66: 

654-661. “Über Abbau und Biogenese der Alkaloide 

Mesembrin und Mesembrenin.” [From DESMET 1996] 

Bodendorf, K. & W. Krieger (1957) Archiv der Pharmazie 

62: 441-448. “Über die Alkaloide von 

Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L.” [From DESMET 1996] 

Burt-Davy, J. (1913) Agricultural Journal of the Union of 

South Africa 6: 66. (From WATT 1967) 

Capps, T.M. et al. (1977) Journal of the Chemical Society. 

Perkins Transactions II 8: 1098-1104. “Sceletium 

Alkaloids. Part 7. Structure and Absolute Stereochemistry 

of (-)-Mesembrane and 3’-Methoxy-4’-Omethyljoubertiamine, 

Two Minor Bases from S. 

Namaquense L. Bolus: X-Ray Analysis of (-)-Mesembrane 

Hydrochloride Monohydrate.” (Thomas M. Capps, Karl 

D. Hargrave, Peter W. Jeffs & Andrew T. McPhail) 

Charalampous et al. (1964) Journal of Pharmacology and 

Experimental Therapeutics 145 (2): 242-246. “Metabolic 

Fate of β-(3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenyl)-ethylamine 

(Mescaline) in Humans: Isolation and Identification of 

3,4,5-Trimethoxyphenylacetic Acid.” [K.D. 

Charalampous, Antonio Orengo, K.E. Walker and John 

Kinross-Wright] 

Charalampous et al. (1966) Psychopharmacologia 9: 48- 

63. “Metabolic Fate of Mescaline in Man.” (K.D. 

Charalampous, K.E. Walker and John Kinross-Wright) 

Chevalier, A. (1946) Comptes Rendus de l”Academie des 

Sciences 223: 767-769. “Le Sata mbwanda racine 

stimulante et aphrodisiaque employée par les Noirs du 

Gabon et son identification botanique.” 

Chevalier, A. (1947) Revue de Botanique Appliquée 27: 104- 

109. “Les Mostuea africains et leurs propriétés 

stimulantes.” [From DESMET 1996] 

Chevon, G. (1931) Journal de la Sociétè des Africanistes 1: 

285-289. “Le Dyidé.” 

Cole, D.T. (1995) Setswana – Animals and Plants. Botswana 

Society: Gaborone. [From HARGREAVES 1998] 

DeSmet, Peter A.G.M. (1996) Journal of 

Ethnopharmacology 50: 141-146. “Some 

ethnopharmacological notes on African hallucinogens.” 


25 

DeSmet, A.G.M. Peter (1999) Herbs, Health, Healers. 

Africa as Ethnopharmacological Treasury. Afrika 

Museum; Berg en Dal, Netherlands. ISBN 90-71611-09- 

4. 180 pages 

Deulofeu, Venancio (1973) Ciência e Cultura 25 (7): 649- 

659 “Distribution of indolethylamines and β-carbolines 

in plants.” 

Dobkin de Rios, Marlene (1986) Journal of 

Ethnopharmacology 15 (3): 297-304. “Enigma of Drug- 

Induced Altered States of Consciousness Among the 

!Kung Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert.” 

Dornan, S.S. (1927-1930) Bantu Studies 3: 185 (From WATT 

1967) 

Dragendorff, George (1898) Die Heilpflanzen der 

Verschiedenen Völker und Zeiten. Ferdinand Enke, 

Stuttgart. [Reprinted in 1967 by Werner Fritsch: München 

(Munich).] 

Durand, E. et al. (1962) Journal of Pharmacy & 

Pharmacology 14: 562-566. “Simple hypotensive and 

hypertensive principles from some West Indian medicinal 

plants.” [E. Durand, E.V. Ellington, P.C. Feng, L.J. 

Haynes, K.E. Magnus & N. Philip] 

Eleusis: Piante e Composti Psicoattivi/ Journal of 

Psychedelic Plants and Compounds. New Series 1998 

onward (Giorgio Samorini; editor) A bargain at $50/ year 

for 2 issues: c/o Museo Civico di Roverto, Largo S. 

Catarna, 43, 38068 Roverto (TN), Italy 

eleusis@telestrion.it [Payments to Telestrion, via De 

Amicis, 32, 40050 Dozza (BO), Italy) 

Emboden, William (1972) Narcotic Plants. The Macmillan 

Company, New York. 

Engelbrecht, J.A. (1936) The Korana. Cape Town. [From 

HARGREAVES 1998] 

Entheogen Review (The Journal of Unauthorized 

Research on Visionary Plants and Drugs.) [Volumes 1- 

6 (1992-1997), edited by Jim DeKorne. Beginning with 

Volume 7 (1998) onward: edited by David Aardvark] 

ISSN 1066-1913. $25 per year (4 issues) Entheogen 

Review, POB 19820, Sacramento, CA 95819-0820. 

FERNANDEZ DISTEL, A. (1980) Estudios Arqueologicos. 

(Universidad de Chile, Antofagasta) 5: 55-79. “Hallazgo 

de pipas en complejos preceramicos del borde de la Puna 

Jujena (Republica Argentina) y el empleo de alucinógenos 

por parte de las mismas culturas.” 

Festi, Francesco & Giorgio Samorini (1995) Eleusis 2: 28- 

34. “Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.BROWN in PHILLIPS (Fico 

degli Ottentotto / Hottentots Fig).” 

Gelfand, M. et al. (1985) The Traditional medical 

practitioner in Zimbabwe. His principles of practice and 

pharmacopoeia. (page 108) Mambo Press: Gweru. [M. 

Gelfand, S. Mavi, R.B. Drummond & B. Ndemera] [From 

DESMET 1996] 

Gundidza, M. (1985) Central African Journal of Medicine 

31: 238-239. “Phytochemical screening of some 

Zimbabwean medicinal plants.” [From DESMET 1996] 

Gundidza, M. (1986) Planta Medica 558. “Insecticidal 

activity of Monadenium lugardae.” [From DESMET 1996] 

Gundidza, M. (1990) Fitoterapia 61: 442-444. “Action of 

Monadenium lugardiae latex on guinea-pig ileum.” [From 

DESMET 1996]

Gundidza, M. (1991) Central African Journal of Medicine 

37: 141-144. “Effect of methanol extract from 

Monadenium lugardiae on contractile activity of guineapig 

ileum.” [From DESMET 1996] 

Hargreaves, Bruce J. (1991) The Ingens Bull. 4: 27-28. 

“Psychoactive Mesembs.” [From HARGREAVES 1998] 

Hargreaves, Bruce J. (1993) The Euphorbiaceae Study 

Group Bull. 6 (1): 14-18. “Euphorbia davyi and other 

khadi sources.” [From HARGREAVES 1998] 

Hargreaves, Bruce J. (1998) Plants Used to Make Khadi. 

[Paper presented at the Huntington’s Annual Succulent 

Symposium 1998. Copy kindly furnished by author.] 

Hargreaves, Bruce J. (1999) Eleusis 3: 100-104. “Piante 

impiegate nella preparazione del Khadi (Sud Africa). 

Plants used to make Khadi (South Africa)” 

Hartwich, C. & E. Zwicky (1914) Apotheker-Zeitung 29: 

925-926, 937-939, 949-950 & 961-962. “Über Channa, 

ein Genussmittel der Hottentotten.” [From DESMET 1996] 

Hedendal, B.E. in Health Consciousness Vol 13 (1): 14-17. 

Henry, Thomas Anderson (1949) The Plant Alkaloids. 

Fourth Edition (Second Edition was 1924) 

Herbert, Richard B. & Abdullah E. Kattah (1990) 

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26 

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28 

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A Delosperma fruit showing its seeds 

Delosperma britteniae ? Coegakop 

showing empty fruit

Symbols 

Index 

2,3-dihydrojoubertiamine 21 

3’-methoxy-4’-Omethyljoubertiamine 

24 

3’-methoxy-4’-Omethyljoubertiaminol 

24 

4-(3-methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-4- 

[2-(acetylmethylam 24 

4-[2-(acetylmethylamino)ethyl]-4- 

(4-hydroxy-3-meth 24 

4-[3-(acetylmethylamino)ethyl]-4- 

(4-hydroxy-3,4-di 24 

4-[3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[2- 

(acetylmethylamino)et 24 

4’-O-demethylmesembranol 21 

4’-O-demethylmesembrenol 

19, 20, 21, 22 

fermentation removes 4 

4’-O-demethylmesembrenone 

21, 24 

5-MeO-DMT 3, 13 

A 

Acacia spp 24 

acemannan 17 

acylated betacyanins 20 

Agave atrovirens 17 

Aizoaceae 5 

Aizoceous chemistry 19 

Albizia anthelmintica 24 

Alchornea castaneifolia 16 

Alchornea floribunda 16 

Alchornea latifolia 17 

Aloe spp 17 

Aloe vera 17 

Anacampseros papyraceae 18 

Anacampseros rhodesica 18 

Anadenanthera colubrina var. cebil 

6 

Anadenanthera peregrina 6 

anesthetic 15 

aphrodisiac 24 

appetite suppression 24 

Appleseed's assay 13 

Aptenia cordifolia 18, 19 

analysis 19 

Aridaria splendens 18 

Aridaria umbelliflora 18 

ascorbic acid 17 

assay procedure 13 

assays 7 

ayahuasca 16 

B 

baga 24 

Banisteriopsis caapi 13 

beer 7, 18 

Beeskraag 17 

Bergeranthus scapiger 

analysis 19 

betacyanins 20 

betaxanthin 20 

bi:bib 17 

birds 11 

black-flies 11 

Boophane distacha 23 

bread making 11, 18 

brew 17 

brewing 17, 18 

burns 17 

C 

caffeyl-betanin 20 

caffeyl-feruloyl-betanin 20 

caffeyl-feruloyl-isobetanin 20 

caffeyl-isobetanin 20 

cancers 17 

Cannabis 5 

Carpobrotus acinaciformis 

5, 17, 19 

Carpobrotus edulis 5, 17, 19 

cats 11 

cattle 18 

channa 3, 5, 19 

channaine 21, 22 

channanine 19 

chew 4 

Cissus quandangularis 24 

cocaine-like 4 

Conophytum lekkersingense 19 

Conophytum spp 23 

analysis 19 

Corbichonia decumbens 18 

crushing between rocks 4 

cultivation 10 

D 


Dactylopsis digitata 18 

death 15 

dehydrojoubertiamine 21, 22 

delirium 15 

Delosperma 

5-MeO-DMT 12, 13 


descriptions 7 

DMT 12, 13 

etymology 7 

29 

MMT 13 

seeds 28 

soil 10 

water content 13 

Delosperma acuminatum 7 

Delosperma aff. litorale 

tlc 12 

Delosperma bosseranum 34 

Delosperma brittenae 7 

Delosperma britteniae? Coegakop 

1, 7, 11, 28 

tlc 12 

Delosperma cooperi 8, 18 

analysis 20 

description 8 

for khadi brewing 7 

tlc 12 

Delosperma crassum 

Grootfraatwater 33 

Delosperma ecklonis 1, 18, 34 

description 8 

tlc 12 

Delosperma esterhuyseniae 8 

tlc 12 

Delosperma hallii 8 

tlc 12 

Delosperma harazianum 8 

tlc 12 

Delosperma herbeum 7 

Delosperma hirtum 8 

tlc 12 

Delosperma lebombense 

analysis 20 

Delosperma lehmannii 18 

Delosperma litorale 8 

Delosperma lydenburgense 9 

tlc 12 

Delosperma macei 33 

Delosperma mahonii 11, 18 

Delosperma minimum 

analysis 20 

Delosperma nubigenum 9 

tlc 12 

Delosperma obtusum 

analysis 20 

Delosperma pageanum 9 

tlc 12 

Delosperma pergamentaceum 9 

tlc 12 

Delosperma pottsii 

analysis 20 

Delosperma pruinosum 

analysis 20 

Delosperma rogersii 

analysis 20 

Delosperma sp

Hanburg 24095 1, 33 

Delosperma sp. Hanburg 24095 

1, 33 

Delosperma steytlerae 33 

Delosperma subincanum 18 

Delosperma tradescantioides 9, 34 

HBG 34 

tlc 12 

depression 5 

Desmanthus leptolobus 23 

Deulofeu 1973 3 

developing solvent 13 

dihydrojoubertiamine 22 

divining 15 

DMT 13 

do 24 

dohe 24 

dopaxanthin 19, 20 

douo 24 

Drosanthemum bicolor 

analysis 20 

Drosanthemum floribundum 

5, 18, 19 

analysis 20 

Drosanthemum hispidum 18, 19 

analysis 20 

Drosanthemum lique 18 

drunkenness 5 

dry rot 11 

Dyidé 24 

E 

Eberlandzia spinosa 18 

Ectotropsis 7 

Elaeophorbia drupifera 16 

Embelia kilimandschrika 24 

emetic 15, 17 

Euphorbia 17 

Euphorbia antiquorum 17 

Euphorbia canariensis 17 

Euphorbia convolvuloides 17 

Euphorbia davyi 17 

Euphorbia decussata 17 

Euphorbia esculenta 17 

Euphorbia hamata 17 

Euphorbia helioscopia 17 

Euphorbia maculata 17 

Euphorbia officinarum 17 

Euphorbia orabensis 17 

Euphorbia pennicillata 17 

Euphorbia pubescens 17 

Euphorbia resinifera 17 

Euphorbia sp 17 

Euphorbia tiruealli 17 

Euphorbium 17 

eye infection 17 

eyes 18 

F 

faman 24 

fatigue prevention 24 

feline leukemia 17 

fermentation 4, 7, 12, 17 

impact on alkaloids 4 

Ferraria glutinosa 23 

folk medicine 6 

food 17 

fruit 17 

fungus 7, 11 

G 

GABA 17 

Galenia africana 18 

gastroenteritis 17 

gbo 24 

gelsemine 24 

Gelsemium sempervirens 24 

Girgensohnia 24 

Glottiphyllum lingueforme 19 

Glottiphyllum linguiforme 18 

Glottiphyllum longum 20 

gonorrhea 15 

grasshoppers 11 

grazing 17 

Grewia sp 23 

gwa 24 

H 

hallucinations 15, 24 

hallucinogenic 17 

Hanburg 24095 1, 33 

Hartogia capensis 24 

harvest time 4 

headache 5 

heat 

impact on alkaloids 4 

hepatic lesions 17 

honey-beer 17 

hordenine 20, 22 

Hottentot Figs 17 

Hura crepitans 16 

Hymenocylus smithii 18 

I 


Iboga 16 

Illustration 

Aptenia cordifolia 19 

Boophane disticha 23 

Conophytum lekkersingense 19 

30 

Delosperma 

seeds 28 

Delosperma bosseranum 34 

Delosperma britteniae? 

Coegakop 1, 7, 28 

Delosperma britteniae? 

Coogekop 11 

Delosperma cooperi 8 

Delosperma crassum 

Grootfraatwater 33 

Delosperma ecklonis 1, 34 

Delosperma macei 33 

Delosperma sp Hanburg 24095 

33 

Delosperma steytlerae 33 

Delosperma tradescantioides 9 

HBG 34 

Glottiphyllum longum 20 

Lampracanthus aureus 20 

Monadenium heteropodum 16 

Monadenium lugardae 1, 15 

Monadenium ritchei 16 

Monadenium schubei 16 

Nananthus albinotus 3, 14 

Rabeia albinota 3, 14 

Sceletium joubertii 21 

Sceletium sp. nova 24 

Sceletium subvelutinum 22 

Sceletium tortuosum 5, 22 

flowering 4 

tablets 14 

indaba 15 

infections 17 

insecticidal 15 

insufflated 5 

irritant 17 

J 

joubertiamine 20, 22 

joubertinamine 21, 24 

jurema 23 

K 

kadi 7 

kaffir beer 18 

kanna 3 

karee 17 

kareemoer 17 

kgadi 7 

khadi 7, 17, 23 

Khadia acutipetala 18 

kia 24 

kirrimoer sikkirie 17 

klatou 24 

kougoed 4, 18

L 

Lampranthus aureus 20 

Lampranthus blandus 

analysis 20 

Lampranthus coccineus 

analysis 20 

Lampranthus deltoides 

analysis 20 

Lampranthus glomeratum 19 

Lampranthus roseus 

analysis 20 

Lampranthus scaber 18 

Lampranthus spectabilis 

analysis 20 

Lichtensteinia interrupta 24 

lignins 23 

listlessness 5 

Lithops hookeri 17, 18 

livestock toxicity 17 

lollypops 5 

loss of appetite 5 

LSD 5 

M 

Maesea lanceolata 24 

Mahumula 15 

Malabar spinach 17 

Masai 24 

mealy bugs 11 

Mercurialis annua 17 

mesembrane 5, 24 

mesembranol 22 

mesembrenine 19, 21, 24 

mesembrenol 21 

mesembrenone 19, 20, 21, 22, 24 

heat increases 4 

mesembrine 

5, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24 

heat decreases 4 

maybe not the active 5 

not formed in Europe 5 

mesembrinine 21, 24 

mesembrinol 22 

mesembrinone 22 

Mesembryanthemaceae 5 

mesembryanthemins 20 

Mesembryanthemum 3, 4 

Mesembryanthemum aitonis 18 

Mesembryanthemum conspicuum 

20 

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum 

5, 17, 18, 24 

Mesembryanthemum edule 20 

Mesembryanthemum expansum 20 

Mesembryanthemum floribundum 

20 

Mesembryanthemum mahoni 18 

Mestoklema tuberosum 18 

methylamine 17 

methylenedioxy substituted lignins 

6 

Mhlebe 15 

Mildbraedia fallax 17 

Mimosa 23 

Mimosa hostilis 6 

Mitragyna africana 24 

MMT 13 

moerhoutjie 18 

mold 11 

Monadenium 


Monadenium guentheri 15 

Monadenium heteropodium 15 

Monadenium heteropodum 16 

Monadenium invenustum 15 

Monadenium lugardae 1, 15 

entry 15 

Monadenium ritchei 16 

Monadenium schubei 15, 16 

Mostuea gabonica 24 

Mostuea stimulans 24 

motsoko 24 

mydriasis 5 

Myrica spp 24 

N 


N-acetyl-N-methyl-N,7asecomesembrine 

24 

N-acetyltortuosamine 21 

N-demethyl-formylmesembrenone 

21 

N-demethylmesembranol 22 

N-demethylmesembrenol 21 

N-formyltortuosamine 24 

N-methyl-4'-O-demethyl-N,7asecomesembradienone 

24 

N-methylpiperidine 24 

N-Methyltryptamine 13 

N-methyltryptamine 3 

Nananthus aff. broomii 14 

Nananthus albinotus 3, 5, 6, 14 

Nananthus aloides 14, 17 

Nananthus transvaalensis 14 

narcotic 4, 17, 18, 23, 24 

narcotic-anxiolytic agent 5 

nematodes 11 

New Zealand spinach 17 

N,N-dimethyltryptamine 3 

N,N-dimethyltyramine 22 

31 

ntsakoro 24 

num 24 

O 

O-acetylmesembrenol 21 

O-methyldehydrojoubertiamine 22 

O-methyldihydrojoubertiamine 22 

O-methyljoubertiamine 22 

oracles 15 

orally ingested pellets 6 

Oscularia caulescens 18 

Oscularia deltoides 

analysis 20 

oxalic acid 7, 11, 17, 18 

Oxen’s Strength 17 

P 

Pancratium trianthum 24 

Pappea capensis 24 

Pedilanthus tithymaloides 16 

Peganum harmala 13 

pests 11 

Petrosimonia monandra 24 

Phyllanthus lathyroides 17 

pigments 20 

piperidine 18, 24 

Pleiospilos 18 

poisonous 15 

Porapak Q 12 

Prenia relaxata 18 

prophetic purposes 15 

Psychotria viridis 13 

pulque 17 

purgative 15, 17 

R 

Rabeia albinota 3, 6,14 

Rabeia albipuncta 14 

Rabeia albipunctata 14 

Rabiea 14 

rapid death 15 

reference standards 13 

References 25 

ringworm 17 

ritual diviners 15 

Rivier & Pilet 1971 3 

Ruschia congesta 18 

Ruschia lineolata 

analysis 20 

Ruschia multiflorum 18 

Ruschia rubricaulis 18 

Ruschia saxicola 18 

Ruschia tumidula 19

S 

S’ Keng-Keng 3, 6 

salts 24 

sangomas 15 

saponin 24 

sceletenone 22, 24 

Sceletium 

alkaloid distribution 4 

harvest time 4 

Sceletium Alkaloid A4 22, 24 

Sceletium anatomicum 18, 19 

Sceletium expansum 6, 19 

analysis 20 

Sceletium joubertii 21 

analysis 20 

Sceletium namaquense 5, 19 

Sceletium sp. nova 1, 24 

Sceletium species 4 

Sceletium strictum 

analysis 21 

Sceletium subvelutinum 22 

analysis 22 


4, 5, 6, 18, 19, 22 

analysis 22 

flowering 4 

insufflated 5 

tablets 14 

Schoenlandia 7 

Schumanniophyton klaineanum 24 

Sclerocarya caffra 5 

Sclerocarya schweinfurthiana 5 

sea spinach 17 

Sebastiania pavonia 17 

sedative 4, 18 

seed capsules opening 11 

sempervirine 24 

sheep death 18 

shka-nin-du 17 

skin disease 17 

sleep prevention 24 

slugs 11 

Smith, Kline & French Laboratories 

3 

smoking 6 

snail 11 

snuffing 6 

soap making 24 

soil 10 

SSRI 5, 14 

stimulant 4, 5, 24 

strychnine 24 

Succulents 

other 15 

T 

Tabernanthe iboga 24 

tablets 14 

tene 24 

Tetragonia expansa 17 

Tetragonia schenkii 17 

Tetragonia tetragonioides 17 

thirst 17 

throwing the bones 15 

TLC 12 

procedure 13 

tobacco additive 6 

toothache 18 

torpor 4 

tortuosamine 22, 24 

Trianthema 

portulacastrum 17 

Trichodiadema 

barbatum 19 

Trichodiadema 

bulbosum 19 

Trichodiadema 

intonsum 19 

Trichodiadema 

stellatum 

5, 18, 19 

tschoo-takhadu 17 

Tshulu 15 

tumors 17 

U 

ulcers 17 


19, 20, 21, 22 

V 

veterinary 17 

violent death 15 

Virola sebifera 6 

visions 15 

Voacanga bracteata 24 

vulgaxanthin I 19 

W 

water content 13 

woodcuts 6 

X 


xanthydrol reagent 13 

32 

Y 

yeast 7, 11, 18 

yerba de la golodrina 17 

Z 

Zwicky 18 


With food 

Photo by Kamm 


Without food 

Photo by Kamm

Delosperma steytlerae 


Some Delosperma species still in need of analysis 

Delosperma sp. Hanburg 24095 

33 

Delosperma crassum Grootfraatwater 

Delosperma macei


Delosperma bosseranum 

upper left 

34 

Delosperma ecklonis 

Delosperma bosseranum has been reported to be 

active in human bioassays; similar to Sceltium 

by t s tantra (web post) 

Delosperma tradescantioides 

lower right photo Huntington Botanical 

Gardens 

lower left photo by Mary

TROUT: "TROUT'S Notes on SOME OTHER SUCCULENTS"

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