Iboga facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Iboga
Scientific classification
Genus:	Tabernanthe
Species:	iboga

Tabernanthe iboga, often called iboga, is a special plant that grows in the rainforests of western Central Africa. It's a type of shrub that lives for many years, which is what "perennial" means. In the parts of Africa where it grows, people sometimes chew the bark from its roots. This is done for traditional purposes, often as part of cultural ceremonies.

Iboga: A Rainforest Plant

What Does Iboga Look Like?

The iboga plant usually grows to be about 2 meters (about 6.5 feet) tall. Sometimes, it can even become a small tree, reaching up to 10 meters (about 33 feet) high! It has small green leaves and pretty white and pink flowers.

After the flowers, the plant grows fruit. These fruits can be either long and oval-shaped or round like a ball. They are bright orange when ripe.

Important Parts of the Iboga Plant

The roots of the iboga plant are yellow inside and have a bitter taste. These roots contain natural compounds called indole alkaloids. The most well-known of these is ibogaine, which is found in the highest amounts in the root-bark. These compounds are what give the plant its special properties that are used in traditional ways.

Traditional Uses of Iboga

For a long time, people in Central Africa have used the iboga plant in their traditions. The root bark is often used in cultural ceremonies or for its natural properties. It's an important part of the heritage and practices in these regions.

Images for kids

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  Henri Ernest Baillon, who helped name Tabernanthe iboga.

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  Pieces of Tabernanthe iboga bark.

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  Shredded bark of Tabernanthe iboga for traditional use.

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  An iboga plant with its orange fruits.

See also

In Spanish: Tabernanthe iboga para niños