Iboga facts for kids

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

Tabernanthe iboga or simply iboga is a perennial rainforest shrub, native to western Central Africa. In parts of Africa where the plant grows, the bark of the root is chewed for various pharmacological or ritualistic purposes. Ibogaine, the active alkaloid, is also used to treat depression. A small amount of ibogaine, along with precursors of ibogaine, are found in Voacanga africana.

Normally, the plant grows to a height of about 2m. It may eventually grow into a small tree up to 10 m tall. It has small green leaves. Its flowers are white and pink, while the fruit can be either an elongated oval shape, or a round spherical shape. Fruits are orange in color. Its yellow-colored roots contain a number of indole alkaloids, most notably ibogaine, which is found in the highest concentration in the root-bark. The root material, bitter in taste, causes anesthetic sensation in the mouth as well as systemic numbness to the skin.

Images for kids

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  Henri Ernest Baillon, publisher of the name Tabernanthe iboga.

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  Bark of Tabernanthe iboga. According to users in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, only 3 grams of shredded bark are required for a single dosage, or cup.

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  Shredded bark of Tabernanthe iboga for consumption. Contains ibogaine.

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  Plant in fruit: fusiform-fruited form.

See also

In Spanish: Tabernanthe iboga para niños