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Hawaiian Baby Woodrose
|  Botanical name: Argyreia nervosa
Also known as: Hawaiian Baby Woodrose, Elephant Creeper, Woolly Morning Glory
Family name: Convolvulacea
Natural habitat: India, Southeast Asia and Hawaii
Only little is known about the Argyreia nervosa as an entheogen. Assumingly the active substances from the plant were used in India as an ingredient for certain medicines and aphrodisiac potions. Reports from Nepal speak of the use of the plant during religious rituals. Possibly the seeds took a rise in popularity thanks to an article in the American magazine High Times that mentioned the seeds, published halfway the previous century. Most of the users are among American subcultures. In California you might encounter them as ‘Utopian Bliss Balls'; grinded and pressed together with ginseng, damiana, gotu cola and bee pollen into a tiny ball.
Argyreia nervosa seeds contain the psychoactive substance LSA (Lysergic Acid Amide), of which the effects are said to be comparable to LSD. It is also a beautiful plant that is regularly used in corsages and bouquets. | 
The seeds are best planted during spring time in a wide pot with loose soil (2-3 cm deep). Germinating will happen more easily when you notch the hard seed layer a bit and soak in water before planting. Move your plant indoors when winter comes. Expect no vigorous rate of growth during the first year. Only the next spring, when it is warm enough to place your plant outside again, considerable shoots appear and seeds will be produced. Young plants do not like lots of direct sunlight. One sunbath a day is recommended though, but as soon as the leaves show signs of withering directly put your plants in a shady place. Argyreia do not need much water, overwatering easily makes them rot.
Other than the name Hawaiian Baby Woodrose is suggesting the plant not a rose. It is a woody, perennial vine with a liana-like way of growing. With silver heart shaped leaves (15-20 cm) and clock shaped white/purple flowers which can become quite large during their blossoming in August and September. The seeds are formed in pods that crack open once naturally dried.
Hawaiian Baby Woodrose is often mistaken for the yellow blossoming Hawaiian Woodrose (Merremia tuberose). The seeds of this plant also contain LSA.
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