Chaliponga (Diplopterys cabrerana)

Chaliponga (Diplopterys cabrerana) | Dried Leaves — 20 g and 50 g

The chaliponga is the common name for Diplopterys cabrerana, a climbing vine from the Malpighiaceae family, native to the Amazon lowlands of Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. It is one of the documented admixture plants in the traditional preparation of ayahuasca, predominantly used in the traditions of the northwestern Amazon (Schultes, 1972; Luna & Amaringo, 1991). At Edabea, we offer it in dried leaves format, available in 20 g and 50 g.

Botanical and Phytochemical Profile

Diplopterys cabrerana belongs to the Malpighiaceae family, the same as Banisteriopsis caapi, but is a different genus. Its leaves have a documented tryptamine profile in the phytochemical literature: DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine) and 5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine), the latter being absent in chacruna (Psychotria viridis) and one of the phytochemical elements that distinguishes the two species (McKenna et al., 1984).

The concentration of tryptamines in D. cabrerana has been subject to analytical characterization in the literature, with variable values depending on the batch, geographical origin, and drying and conservation conditions of the material. Ethnobotanical references mention alkaloid concentrations that exceed those of Psychotria viridis, although data varies between studies and samples (McKenna et al., 1984; Schultes, 1972).

Differences Between Chaliponga and Chacruna

Chaliponga (Diplopterys cabrerana) and chacruna (Psychotria viridis) are the two most documented admixture plants in the ethnobotanical literature of ayahuasca but are botanically distinct species with differentiated phytochemical profiles:

Etnobotanical Context

The use of Diplopterys cabrerana as an admixture plant in ayahuasca preparations is documented primarily in the traditions of the northwestern Amazon—Colombia and Ecuador—where it is also known as chagropanga or biaxí depending on the tradition and region (Schultes, 1972). Its use is less widespread geographically than that of chacruna, which dominates in the traditions of western Peruvian and Ecuadorian Amazon.

The ethnobotanist Richard Evans Schultes documented the use of D. cabrerana during his fieldwork in the Colombian Amazon, collected in his publications from the 1970s and in Plants of the Gods (1979, with Albert Hofmann). The species is also referenced in Luis Eduardo Luna's works on Amazonian vegetalismo (Luna & Amaringo, 1991).

To expand the ethnobotanical context of this species and its relationship with other plants in our catalog, you can check our ayahuasca section.

Conservation

Dried leaves are sensitive to moisture and direct light. To maintain their stability and botanical characteristics over time:

• Store in a well-sealed container, preferably airtight.
• Keep in a cool, dry place, protected from direct light.
• Avoid moisture, prolonged heat, and cross-contamination with other materials.

Frequently Asked Questions about Chaliponga

What distinguishes chaliponga from chacruna?

They are botanically distinct species from different families. Chaliponga (Diplopterys cabrerana, family Malpighiaceae) has a tryptamine profile that includes DMT and 5-MeO-DMT. Chacruna (Psychotria viridis, family Rubiaceae) contains DMT but not 5-MeO-DMT. Geographically, chaliponga is more frequent in the traditions of the Colombian and Ecuadorian Amazon, whereas chacruna predominates in the traditions of western Peruvian Amazon (McKenna et al., 1984; Schultes, 1972).

What is 5-MeO-DMT?

5-MeO-DMT (5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine) is a tryptamine alkaloid found in Diplopterys cabrerana and other plant species, as well as in some amphibian species. Its presence in chaliponga is one of the phytochemical elements that differentiate this species from chacruna, where it has not been documented (McKenna et al., 1984).

Which format is more suitable, 20 g or 50 g?

The 20 g format is suitable for botanical collection, archiving, or initial study of the material. The 50 g format is intended for researchers or collectors working with larger volumes or who wish to have a broader batch reference for phytochemical comparisons between admixture plants.

What is the legal status of chaliponga?

The legal status may vary by jurisdiction. It is the buyer's responsibility to verify the applicable regulations in their place of residence. This product is sold solely as botanical collection material and for ethnobotanical research.

How should dried leaves be stored?

In a well-sealed container, in a cool, dry place, and protected from direct light. The concentration of tryptamines can be affected by prolonged exposure to moisture, heat, or light, so proper storage is especially important to maintain the botanical integrity of the material.

About This Content

This data sheet has been prepared by the specialized team at Edabea Natura, with over 15 years of experience in the selection and marketing of ethnobotanical materials. The phytochemical and ethnobotanical information is based on the cited bibliographic sources and on direct knowledge of the material from each batch. Last update: April 2026. For inquiries about availability or characteristics of the current batch, please contact contacto@edabea.com.

References: Luna, L.E. & Amaringo, P. (1991). Ayahuasca Visions: The Religious Iconography of a Peruvian Shaman. Berkeley: North Atlantic Books. — McKenna, D.J., Towers, G.H.N. & Abbott, F. (1984). Monoamine oxidase inhibitors in South American hallucinogenic plants. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 10(2), 195–223. — Schultes, R.E. (1972). An overview of hallucinogens in the Western Hemisphere. In P.T. Furst (Ed.), Flesh of the Gods. New York: Praeger. — Schultes, R.E. & Hofmann, A. (1979). Plants of the Gods. New York: McGraw-Hill.