Heimia salicifolia (Sun Opener) is a flowering perennial plant that is native to a range that stretches from south-western USA to Argentina in South America. Sun Opener is an Aztec herbal plant that was used in potions and smoked as part of some unusual rituals. The yellow flowers are also used in herbal teas to assist with some relaxation and blood pressure.
Suitable for Temperate, Dry, Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Heimia salicifolia is also commonly known as Siniuichi Plant, Shrubby Yellowcrest, Willow-Leaf Heimia and simply Sini.
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Growth
Heimia salicifolia is a perennial deciduous shrub that grows to a height of around 3 metres (10 feet) and spreads to roughly 1 metre (3 feet). Sun Opener enjoys full sun and a wide range of climates and soil conditions. In colder climates, it would be easier to grow in pots to allow for their protection during colder spells. Typically, the ideal temperature range is 10-30°C / 50-86°F.
When growing from seed, the leaves of Sun Opener plants take 90-100 days to be ready for harvest while the flowers can bloom in their first season but often occurs during their second.
Note: Germination instructions can be found in the ‘Germination Instructions Tab’ below. Upon purchase you will receive these detailed instructions via email so that you have a permanent record.
For additional information visit our Growers Notes page or the list of the best gardening websites or check out the article about how to use your waste at home as a natural fertiliser.
FAMILY:
Lythraceae
CLIMATE:
Temperate to Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
10-30°C / 50-86°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well-draining.
LOCATION:
Full Sun.
HEIGHT:
Up to 2m (7 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 1m (3 feet)
pH:
5.0-7.0
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial.
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Light
POLLINATION:
Bees.
MATURITY:
90-100 days
GERMINATION RATES:
65-80%
GERMINATION TIME:
21-28 days at temperatures between 15-20°C / 62-68°F
GERMINATION DIFFICULTY:
Medium
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 6000
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 3 years.
FACTS ABOUT HEIMIA SALICIFOLIA (Sun Opener)
The flowers of Heimia salicifolia are said to be able to induce a different state of consciousness to connect with a divine realm.
The leaves are also used for shamanic purposes by following a commonly used formula that involves fermentation. Firstly, the leaves are collected and then left to wilt. Then the leaves are put into a jar, which is then filled with water and placed in the sun to brew for 72 hours. This straightforward process is said to embed the knowledge of the sun into the potion, creating a ‘elixir of the sun. In larger quantities, this can potion induce hallucinations and produce visions that are typically overcast in yellow.
Other cultures smoke the dried leaves and/or flowers or use a combination of them to make a herbal tea. Some regard the plant a sacred herb, that enables vivid recalls of past events with some users even reporting the remembrance of pre-birth events.
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