Erythroxylum coca var. coca
Erythroxylum coca var. coca · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Erythroxylum coca var. coca is a perennial shrub native to the tropical regions of South America. The plant is most notably recognized for the chemical alkaloids contained within its foliage. Specifically, the leaves serve as the primary source for the extraction of cocaine. This substance has significant implications in both medicinal history and contemporary pharmacology. Understanding the botanical properties of this variety is essential for studying its complex chemical profile.
- Synonyms
- Erythroxylum Chilpei · Erythroxylum Bolivianum
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Erythroxylaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Erythroxylum coca var. coca is a botanical variety known by several different names depending on the regional context. Most frequently, it is simply referred to by the common name coca. In specific geographic areas, it is also identified as Bolivian coca or Huánuco coca. Some local variations may even use the name Huanuco Coca or the term Kokastrauch. These various designations all point to the same unique plant species.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Erythroxylum coca var. coca is a botanical classification that encompasses several different taxonomic identities. Within scientific literature, this variety is frequently identified by its recognized synonyms. One such synonym used to describe this plant is Erythroxylum bolivianum. Additionally, the name Erythroxylum chilpei serves as another valid synonym for this specific variety. Understanding these overlapping names is essential for accurate botanical identification and study.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Erythroxylum coca var. coca is a distinctive member of the kingdom Plantae. Within this vast botanical realm, the plant is classified under the class Equisetopsida. It belongs to the diverse order Malpighiales, showcasing its specific evolutionary lineage. Further narrowing its biological identity, the plant is situated within the genus Erythroxylum. Finally, it is most accurately identified as a part of the Erythroxylaceae family.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Erythroxylaceae |
| Genus | Erythroxylum |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Erythroxylum coca var. coca exhibits a diverse and widespread distribution spanning multiple continents. In Africa, this variety is found across East Tropical Africa, specifically within Tanzania, and reaches into West Tropical Africa in Guinea-Bissau. Its presence extends further into West-Central Tropical Africa, encompassing both Cameroon and the islands of the Gulf of Guinea. Beyond the African continent, the species also establishes itself within the temperate regions of Asia. Specifically, it can be located in Eastern Asia, notably in the Kazan-retto area.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Biological Activities
Compounds
Erythroxylum coca var. coca serves as a fundamental element in the folk medicine of Bolivia, where it is widely utilized as a general stimulant. Native Aymara and Quechua populations often select specific varieties for consumption, such as the sweeter leaves harvested from the Yungas tropical mountain forests. Although these leaves are traditionally chewed for their effects, chemical analyses have attempted to explain these cultural preferences through their composition. Interestingly, research shows that the levels of cocaine and other minor constituents found in these regional samples do not fully rationalize why certain leaves are preferred over others. Ultimately, the plant remains a complex subject of study regarding both its chemical makeup and its deep-rooted cultural significance.
Conditions
Preparations
Parts used
Erythroxylum coca var. coca is a significant plant in Bolivian folk medicine, primarily valued as a general stimulant. The leaves of this variety serve as the essential part used by Aymara and Quechua natives for medicinal and social purposes. Many people in these regions prefer to chew leaves harvested from the tropical mountain forests of the Yungas due to their perceived sweetness. Interestingly, chemical analyses of leaf samples from both the Yungas and the Chapare lowlands show no significant difference in cocaine levels to explain this preference. Despite these findings, the specific sensory qualities of the leaf continue to drive traditional usage patterns across the Andes.