Erythroxylum australe

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the specific territories of Australia. Its natural range extends across the diverse landscapes of New South Wales. Additionally, the species is known to inhabit various regions throughout Queensland. These two states represent the core areas of its geographical distribution. Consequently, the plant's presence is concentrated in these particular parts of the Australian continent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Erythroxylum australe is characterized by a woody growth form that primarily manifests as a shrub or a small tree. This species typically achieves a plant height ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 3 meters. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite or an epiphyte, maintaining a terrestrial habit rather than being aquatic, semiaquatic, or obligate to other hosts. While it can exhibit characteristics of a self-supporting structure, its growth habit is defined by its sturdy, woody nature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

3 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Erythroxylum australe is characterized by specific morphological dimensions that govern its photosynthetic surface area and gas exchange capabilities. The foliage exhibits a distinct range of measurements, with leaf length varying from a minimum of 1 cm to a maximum of 4 cm. Complementing this longitudinal variation, the leaf width displays a narrow profile, ranging from a minimum of 0.4 cm to a maximum of 1.4 cm. These structural parameters define the leaf architecture, influencing how the plant manages transpiration and light interception within its ecological niche.

Leaf length max:

4 cm

Leaf length min:

1 cm

Leaf width max:

1.4 cm

Leaf width min:

0.4 cm

Reproduction

The reproduction of Erythroxylum australe is characterized by the development of a fruit classified as a drupe, which serves as the primary vessel for seed dispersal. This fruit is fundamentally indehiscent, meaning it does not spontaneously split open at maturity to release its contents, but rather relies on external factors or the decay of the fleshy pericarp to facilitate the liberation of the seeds.

Dehiscence :

indehiscent

Fruit type :

drupe

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Erythroxylum australe has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Meteloidine.

Meteloidine

1. Dr. Duke