Family: Fabaceae
Author: (L.) Speg.
Bibliography: Physis (Buenos Aires) 6: 314 (1923)
Year: 1923
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Anadenanthera
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Caribbean to S. Trop. America
Description
Cohoba, widely known by its scientific name Anadenanthera peregrina, is a fascinating and significant member of the legume family, Fabaceae. This remarkable plant is indigenous to the Caribbean and extends its presence into South Tropical America, illustrating a rich historical tapestry interwoven with tradition and utility.
Cohoba is celebrated for its robust and resilient nature, thriving in the diverse climatic conditions found within its native geographic range. The species is notably prevalent in regions spanning from the lush landscapes of the Caribbean islands to the diverse ecosystems of tropical South America. This geographical distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to various soil types and environmental conditions.
Historically, Anadenanthera peregrina holds profound cultural and ethnobotanical significance. Indigenous peoples have long revered this plant for its various applications, especially in spiritual and medicinal contexts. One of its most notable uses is in the preparation of traditional snuffs and other ritualistic substances. The seeds of Cohoba contain psychoactive compounds, which have been employed in ceremonial practices to induce altered states of consciousness, facilitating spiritual journeys and shamanic rituals.
Botanically, Cohoba is characterized by its hard, wood-like exterior and feathery leaves, which contribute to its aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. The plant produces pods that encapsulate the seeds, which are the primary sources of its notable psychoactive attributes. These seeds undergo specific preparation methods to yield substances used in traditional ceremonies.
In addition to its cultural and spiritual importance, Cohoba also plays a vital ecological role. As a member of the Fabaceae family, it shares the common trait of nitrogen fixation, enhancing soil fertility by converting atmospheric nitrogen into a form usable by plants. This characteristic makes Anadenanthera peregrina a valuable species for maintaining and restoring soil health in its native habitats.
The historical and botanical record of Cohoba is well-documented, with one of the early detailed descriptions appearing in the publication “Physis (Buenos Aires)” in 1923, authored by (L.) Speg. This documentation provides a critical foundation for understanding the botanical and cultural significance of Anadenanthera peregrina, contributing to the broader knowledge of its uses and properties.
In summary, Cohoba (Anadenanthera peregrina) is not only a plant of great ecological and botanical interest but also a cultural keystone with significant historical relevance. Its role in traditional practices, coupled with its environmental benefits, underscores the multifaceted importance of this unique species in both natural and human-altered landscapes.
Common Names
Spa: candelón, cojoba, yopo
Eng: cohoba, cohoba tree, cohoba-tree
Por: paricá
En: Cohoba, Cohoba-tree, Cohoba tree
Ca: Yopo
Fi: Jopomimosio
Fr: Yopo
Lt: Klajoklinis karolmedis
Fa: یوپو جوپو
Pt: Paricá, Acacia angustiloba
Es: Candelón, Cojoba, Yopo
Synonyms
- Anadenanthera peregrina var. falcata ((Benth.) Altschul)
- Niopa peregrina ((L.) Britton & Rose)
- Piptadenia peregrina ((L.) Benth.)
- Anadenanthera falcata ((Benth.) Speg.)
- Mimosa acacioides (Benth.)
- Acacia niopo ((Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Kunth)
- Acacia trichophylloides (Macfad.)
- Piptadenia falcata (Benth.)
- Inga niopo (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.)
- Mimosa niopo ((Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Poir.)
- Piptadenia peregrina var. falcata ((Benth.) Chodat & Hassl.)
- Piptadenia niopo ((Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Spruce)
- Acacia angustiloba (DC.)
Distribution
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Brazil Northeast (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Dominican Republic (native)
- French Guiana (native)
- Guyana (native)
- Haiti (native)
- Leeward Is. (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Puerto Rico (native)
- Suriname (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Windward Is. (native)
- St.Helena (introduced)
Additional Images
Bark
Taken Jul 15, 2022 by Martínez Olga (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 15, 2022 by Martínez Olga (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Oct 20, 2022 by hella kek (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Oct 20, 2022 by hella kek (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 15, 2022 by Thiago Flores Flores (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2952808)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:12268-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Anadenanthera peregrina (L.) Speg.)
