Ololiúqui (Turbina corymbosa)

The Xtabentun flower grows wild in the Yucatan and produces pollen stingless honey bees use to create their particularly delicious honey. Like many things Mayan, this morning glory-like flower has a legend explaining it. There once lived a beautiful Mayan lady named Xtabay. She was said to have freely given herself to anyone who solicited her love. However slutty she may have been, she was an equally kind person who gave help to anyone in need. Despite this, she was mercilessly ridiculed by many in her city. On her death, this delicate, white flower with a tremendously sweet fragrance grew around her grave. The Mayans believed it a lesson from the gods showing that true virtue comes from a generous heart. The Mayans also believe that drinking a cup of the Xtabentun liquor from these flowers causes a euphoric drunkenness, the same effect Xtabay had on the men who loved her. Today, we know that the chemical compounds in the floral nectar produce a mild LSD-like trip. For the record, the honey is not…