How do functional traits change during plant succession? A review
Monique Botha, Michael Erik Grevé
South African Journal of Botany March 1, 2018 DOI: 10.1016/j.sajb.2018.02.023 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Ethnographic fieldwork Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Population | Cycad populations and shamans and casual users in Limpopo, South Africa, and Mexico |
| Citations | 1 |
| Key findings | The authors argue that the widespread religious and ritual importance of cycads may be rooted in part in their intoxicating and potentially hallucinogenic effects. They report that shamans and casual users in Mexico describe "peyote"-like visions from consuming Dioon, Ceratozamia, and Zamia species, and that extraction for traditional ritual and recreational drug use causes widespread damage to Encephalartos populations in Limpopo. |
Abstract
both pollen and fermented starch have been utilized in Sri Lanka, India, Japan, Central America, Australia, and central Africa as male aphrodisiacs and in intoxicating beverages at ceremonial events.In Limpopo, South Africa, our fieldwork revealed that widespread damage to Encephalartos populations is caused by extraction for traditional ritual purposes as well as for recreational drug use.In Mexico, we found that several Dioon, Ceratozamia, and Zamia species are consumed both recreationally and sacramentally; shamans and casual users report experiencing "peyote" visions akin to those of the cactus Lophophora williamsii.Our findings suggest that the widespread religious and ritual importance of cycads may be rooted in part in their intoxicating and potentially hallucinogenic effects.Important questions include identities of the chemical compounds involved, the nature of the psychotropic effects produced in users, and the true extent of adverse effects on people and cycads.We recommend that researchers and conservation authorities acknowledge and address these issues in an urgent fashion, while remaining sensitive to ceremonial traditions and respectful of religious considerations.