Argyreia: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:59, 15 February 2025

Argyreia nervosa[edit]

Argyreia nervosa, commonly known as the Hawaiian baby woodrose, is a perennial climbing vine in the family Convolvulaceae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is widely cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions for its ornamental and psychoactive properties.

Description[edit]

Argyreia nervosa is a large, woody climber that can reach lengths of up to 10 meters. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and covered with a fine layer of downy hairs, giving them a silvery appearance. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, typically pink to purple, and grow in clusters. The plant produces large, woody seed pods that contain several seeds.

Distribution and Habitat[edit]

Argyreia nervosa is native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It has been introduced to other regions, such as Hawaii, where it has become naturalized. The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, often found in forests, along riverbanks, and in disturbed areas.

Uses[edit]

Ornamental[edit]

Argyreia nervosa is cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers. It is often grown on trellises, fences, and pergolas in gardens and parks.

Psychoactive[edit]

The seeds of Argyreia nervosa contain several alkaloids, including ergine (LSA), which have psychoactive properties. They have been used traditionally in some cultures for their hallucinogenic effects. However, the use of these seeds can be dangerous and is subject to legal restrictions in many countries.

Cultivation[edit]

Argyreia nervosa is relatively easy to cultivate in suitable climates. It prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. When growing from seeds, it is recommended to scarify the seeds to improve germination rates.

Related pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-==Aphanizomenon flos-aquae==
+== Argyreia nervosa ==
-'''Aphanizomenon flos-aquae''' is a species of cyanobacteria that is commonly found in freshwater environments. It is known for forming dense blooms that can have significant ecological and health impacts. This species is part of the [[Aphanizomenon]] genus, which includes several other species of cyanobacteria.
+[[File:Argyreia_nervosa1SCZO.jpg|thumb|right|Argyreia nervosa plant]]
-===Description===
+'''Argyreia nervosa''', commonly known as the Hawaiian baby woodrose, is a perennial climbing vine in the family [[Convolvulaceae]]. It is native to the Indian subcontinent and is widely cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions for its ornamental and psychoactive properties.
-Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is characterized by its filamentous structure, forming long chains of cells that can aggregate into colonies. These colonies are often visible to the naked eye and can appear as blue-green scums on the surface of water bodies. The cells contain gas vesicles that allow them to regulate their buoyancy and position in the water column, optimizing their exposure to light for photosynthesis.
-===Habitat===
+== Description ==
-This cyanobacterium is typically found in nutrient-rich freshwater lakes and ponds. It thrives in conditions where there is an abundance of [[nitrogen]] and [[phosphorus]], often as a result of agricultural runoff or other forms of [[eutrophication]]. Aphanizomenon flos-aquae can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and light conditions, which contributes to its ability to form blooms in various environments.
-===Ecological Impact===
+Argyreia nervosa is a large, woody climber that can reach lengths of up to 10 meters. The leaves are large, heart-shaped, and covered with a fine layer of downy hairs, giving them a silvery appearance. The flowers are trumpet-shaped, typically pink to purple, and grow in clusters. The plant produces large, woody seed pods that contain several seeds.
-Blooms of Aphanizomenon flos-aquae can have significant ecological impacts. They can reduce the levels of dissolved oxygen in the water, leading to hypoxic conditions that are harmful to aquatic life. Additionally, these blooms can block sunlight from reaching submerged vegetation, disrupting the aquatic ecosystem.
-===Health Concerns===
+== Distribution and Habitat ==
-Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is known to produce toxins, including [[neurotoxins]] and [[hepatotoxins]], which can pose health risks to humans and animals. Exposure to these toxins can occur through direct contact with contaminated water, ingestion of contaminated fish or shellfish, or inhalation of aerosols. Symptoms of exposure can include skin irritation, gastrointestinal distress, and in severe cases, liver damage or neurological effects.
-===Uses===
+Argyreia nervosa is native to the Indian subcontinent, including India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. It has been introduced to other regions, such as Hawaii, where it has become naturalized. The plant thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, often found in forests, along riverbanks, and in disturbed areas.
-Despite the potential health risks, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae is harvested and used as a dietary supplement. It is marketed for its purported health benefits, including boosting the immune system and providing a source of [[vitamins]] and [[minerals]]. However, the safety and efficacy of these supplements are subjects of ongoing research and debate.
-==Related pages==
+== Uses ==
-* [[Cyanobacteria]]
-* [[Eutrophication]]
-* [[Harmful algal bloom]]
-* [[Water pollution]]
-==Gallery==
+=== Ornamental ===
-<gallery>
-File:Aphanizomenon_colony_fluorescence_microscopy.jpg|Aphanizomenon colony under fluorescence microscopy
-File:Simplefilaments022_Aphanizomenon.jpg|Simple filaments of Aphanizomenon
-File:Aphanizomenon_Bloom_Upper_Klamath_Lake_USGS.jpg|Aphanizomenon bloom in Upper Klamath Lake
-File:Toxic_Bloom.jpg|Toxic bloom of cyanobacteria
-</gallery>
-[[Category:Cyanobacteria]]
+Argyreia nervosa is cultivated as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and flowers. It is often grown on trellises, fences, and pergolas in gardens and parks.
-[[Category:Freshwater algae]]
-[[Category:Water pollution]]
+=== Psychoactive ===
+The seeds of Argyreia nervosa contain several alkaloids, including ergine (LSA), which have psychoactive properties. They have been used traditionally in some cultures for their hallucinogenic effects. However, the use of these seeds can be dangerous and is subject to legal restrictions in many countries.
+== Cultivation ==
+Argyreia nervosa is relatively easy to cultivate in suitable climates. It prefers well-drained soil and a sunny location. The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. When growing from seeds, it is recommended to scarify the seeds to improve germination rates.
+== Related pages ==
+* [[Convolvulaceae]]
+* [[Psychoactive plants]]
+* [[Hawaiian flora]]
+[[Category:Convolvulaceae]]
+[[Category:Psychoactive plants]]
+[[Category:Ornamental plants]]