Sinicuichi (Heimia), also known as Sun Opener or Shrubby Yellowcrest, is a genus of two or three species of shrubs in the family Lythraceae, native to the Americas, from northern Argentina north to the southernmost United States (southern Texas). The leaves are 2-5 cm long and 1 cm broad, entire, and variably arranged alternate, opposite or whorled on the stems. The flowers are 3-4 cm diameter, with yellow, purple or blue petals.

Species

• Heimia myrtifolia is a shrub growing to 1 m tall.
• Heimia salicifolia is a shrub growing to 3 m tall.

Cultivation and uses

The species make attractive ornamental plants, flowering in late summer. Although only growing as a shrub in subtropical climates, it can also be grown as a herbaceous perennial in colder areas where the above-ground growth is killed by winter cold.

Sinicuichi contains hallucinogens, the active chemical constituents including cryogenine, a possibly psychoactive alkaloid, and lythrine, a diuretic alkaloid. It has been called an "auditory hallucinogen", affecting sound perception, although this is antedoctal and isn't experienced by the majority of users. Among Native American groups in Mexico, the plucked leaves are allowed to wilt slightly, are crushed in water (or liquefied in blender), permitted to ferment for a day in the sun, and drunk.

Overindulgence has been reported to cause golden-yellow tinge to vision on following day. Continued immoderate use may also hamper memory. Other effects include muscle fatigue and general malaise after ingestion.

Entheogens | Herbal and fungal hallucinogens | Myrtales

Sinicuichi | Heimia