muira puama

description
Ptychopetalum olacoides plants are shrubs or small trees growing to about 14 feet in height. They belong to the Olacaceae family—not to be confused with the Oleaceae or olive family.

Its leaves are short-petioled—up to 3 inches in length and 2 inches in breadth— they are light green on their tops, and dark brown on on their undersides. The inflorescences consist of short axillary racemes of 4 to 6 flowers each. The root is strongly tough and fibrous with thin bark and broad wood. Inside the root is light brown, has a faint odor, and tastes slightly saline and acrid.

common names & nomenclature
From the Spanish, muira puama means "wood of the power".

Also known as:
muira puama, potency wood, marapuama, marapama, muiratã, muiratam, pau-homen, potenzholz, liriosma ovata

The Muira puama plant is native to the Amazon rainforest. It grows in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, and Suriname.

climate
Grows in warm humid understory rainforest habitats.

soil
Prefers rich, moist, fertile soil of the rainforest.

growing
Sow seed in rich, fertile soil in a greenhouse, when large enough to handle, transplant seedlings into larger containers and grow on in a greenhouse or outdoors in a warm, humid climate.

harvesting
The bark and root are harvested throughout the season. May be used fresh or cut and dried for later use.

preserving
Store dried bark and root pieces in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.