Erythroxylum delagoense

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the diverse landscapes of South Tropical Africa, with a notable presence in Mozambique. Within the Southern African region, it can be found growing in the KwaZulu-Natal province. Its geographical reach also extends into the kingdom of Eswatini. Additionally, the species is documented within the Northern Provinces of Southern Africa. Together, these locations define the specific environmental range where the species thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Erythroxylum delagoense is characterized by a broad vertical distribution across varying topographical gradients, allowing it to inhabit diverse environmental niches. This species exhibits significant adaptability to altitudinal shifts, occupying a wide ecological range that begins at low-lying areas as low as 13 m AMSL and extends to higher montane regions reaching a maximum elevation of 1480 m AMSL. This expansive elevational breadth suggests that the plant can tolerate a variety of microclimates, ranging from the warmer, more humid conditions of coastal or lowland habitats to the potentially cooler, more temperate environments found at higher altitudes.

Elevational range max:

1480 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

13 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Erythroxylum delagoense is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. As a long-lived plant, it establishes a stable presence within its ecological niche, undergoing repeated cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive phases over many years. This perennial nature allows the plant to invest significant energy into developing robust structural systems, which support its continued survival and ability to reproduce periodically across successive seasons.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Erythroxylum delagoense is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub. It is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, neither acting as a parasite nor an epiphyte. In terms of physical stature, the plant is self-supporting rather than a climber, with a height that typically ranges from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 6 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

6 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

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

cocaine

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Erythroxylum delagoense has 26 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anesthetic, Anorexic, Antiarrhythmic, Antibacterial, Antiepistactic.

Anesthetic

1. Dr. Duke

Anorexic

1. Dr. Duke

Antiarrhythmic

1. Dr. Duke

Antibacterial

1. Dr. Duke

Antiepistactic

1. Dr. Duke

Antifeedant

1. Dr. Duke

Arterioconstrictor

1. Dr. Duke

CNS-Stimulant

1. Dr. Duke

Cardiotonic

1. Dr. Duke

Convulsant

1. Dr. Duke