Cebil Seeds

Cebil History

Anadenanthera Colubrina or Cebil is a South American tree closely related to Yopo (Anadenanthera Peregrina). It is found in various parts of the continent, including Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Brazil, Ecuador and Paraguay. The Cebil tree can be described as a fast growing plant and can grow to a height of 5-20 meters.

Anadenanthera Colubrina is known by many names throughout South America, including Willka (also spelled Wilca, Vilca, Huilca). In the Quechua language it means sacred. Native peoples of South America have been using Cebil (just like Yopo and Ayahuasca) in shamanic rituals for hundreds of years believing it to have magical properties.

Archaeological evidence found throughout Argentina, Peru, Bolivia, Chile suggests that Cebil has been used as a hallucinogen for over 4000 years.

Cultivating Cebil

Growing Cebil plants is relatively easy. Cebil seeds should be pre-soaked in sterile water for 24 hours. The water is boiled and then allowed to cool before soaking the seeds. Cebil seeds and seedlings are susceptible to rot. It is best to grow them in sandy soil. Both perlite and vermiculite are suitable. Ideally the sand should also be sterilized.

Cebil seeds require a minimum temperature of 22 °C – a constant heat source is essential for germination. If you choose to use perlite or vermiculite sand, plant the pots or seed trays about 1 cm below the surface and water lightly using a spray bottle. Make sure the growing medium is moist but not overwatered. Allow the pots/trays to sit for a while to drain excess water, then place them in a bright place out of direct sunlight. It is important to air out the pots or trays every day to prevent mold.

Under favorable conditions, Cebil seeds should germinate within a week. As soon as the seedlings begin to emerge from the ground, begin to acclimate them to drier conditions, gradually providing more aeration and watering sparingly but regularly. Allow the growing medium to almost dry between waterings. Watch for any signs of mold and make sure the conditions aren't too hot, either otherwise seedlings die quickly.

Introduce fertilizer adding occasionally to the water. Start with 1/4 of the recommended dosage, increase gradually.

Transplanting Cebil

For the first year, the Cebil plant grows slowly and still needs free-draining soil (eg a mixture of 50% cactus compost and 50% perlite).

In the second year, repot the Cebil plant in a growing medium that will be rich in organic matter, and is still fairly free-draining. 50% peat moss, 25% coconut coir and 25% perlite can be a good mix.

A 2cm layer of gravel or broken pots at the base of the pot will provide the extra drainage required. A 1cm layer of gravel or cactus mulch on the surface will prevent the perlite from floating to the surface and prevent excessive evaporation. Once established in the soil, Cebil can benefit from regular fertilizing during the summer months. It should soon start growing strongly.

Taking Care of Cebil

Cebil tree enjoys warm sun and free-draining soil. They cannot tolerate overwatering of the roots and can only withstand light frost. It is best to bring the plant indoors during the winter months.