Stipa inebrians is a species of grass with a unique spelling that can be explained with the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word "Stipa" is pronounced as /ˈstaɪpə/ with a long "i" sound and a stress on the first syllable. "Inebrians" is pronounced as /ɪnɛbriənz/, with a stress on the second syllable and a silent "s" at the end. This Latin-based name refers to the intoxicating properties of the plant, which contains the hallucinogenic compound DMT. Proper spelling and pronunciation are crucial for clear communication and scientific accuracy.
Stipa inebrians, commonly known as sleep grass or inebriating stipa, is a perennial grass species native to the steppes of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It is a member of the Poaceae family and is characterized by its unique psychoactive properties.
Sleep grass is named for its ability to induce a state of sedation or sleepiness in animals, including humans, when ingested. This effect is attributed to the presence of a powerful neurotoxin called secalonic acid, which is found in the seed heads of the plant. When consumed, secalonic acid acts on the central nervous system, resulting in a tranquilizing effect that can range from a mild sedative to a deep sleep-inducing state. However, it is important to highlight that consumption of sleep grass is potentially dangerous and can have serious health consequences.
Apart from its psychoactive properties, sleep grass is also valued for its ornamental appeal. The plant has tall, slender stems that can reach up to one meter in height. It bears ligneous spikelets with silky awns that shimmer in the sunlight, giving it an elegant appearance. Due to these aesthetic features, sleep grass is sometimes cultivated in gardens or used in dried flower arrangements.
In conclusion, Stipa inebrians, also known as sleep grass, is a perennial grass species native to Central Asia. It possesses psychoactive qualities due to the presence of a potent neurotoxin. While appreciated for its ornamental value, consuming this plant can have significant health risks and is not recommended.
A species which is said to produce stupor in animals grazing on it.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Stipa inebrians" is a scientific name used for a species of a perennial bunchgrass commonly known as "Sleepy Grass" or "Drunken Horse Grass".
Etymologically, the word Stipa is derived from the Latin word "stipula", which means "stalk" or "straw". This refers to the stalk-like appearance of the grass. The word "inebrians" is derived from the Latin word "inebriare", meaning "to make drunk" or "to intoxicate". This term is used in relation to the psychoactive effects that the grass can have on animals.