Erythroxylum impressum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several distinct regions of the Americas. In the Caribbean, its presence is noted within the islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Moving to the mainland, it can be found throughout northern South America, specifically in Guyana and Venezuela. The species also extends into western South America, where it is located in Colombia. Finally, its range reaches into Brazil, specifically occupying the northern part of the country.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Erythroxylum impressum is characterized by its specialized adaptation to the Savana Amazônica, a distinct transitional landscape within the broader Amazonian biome. This species thrives within these open, mosaic-like ecosystems, where environmental conditions differ significantly from the dense, closed-canopy rainforests nearby. Its distribution is specifically tied to lower-lying terrains, maintaining a mean elevational range of approximately 110 m AMSL (meters above sea level). This specific altitudinal positioning and habitat preference suggest a reliance on the unique soil compositions and light availability patterns characteristic of the Amazonian savanna, which influence its growth patterns and ecological niche.

Elevational range mean:

110 m AMSL

Habitat :

Savana Amazônica

Morphology

The morphology of Erythroxylum impressum is characterized by a robust, woody structure that allows it to function as a self-supporting plant. It exhibits a growth form that can range from a shrub to a tree, depending on environmental conditions and developmental stage. Unlike climbing species such as lianas or vines, it is a self-supporting organism that does not require external structures for vertical ascent. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, and does not function as an epiphyte in any capacity, whether as a holoepiphyte or hemiepiphyte. Furthermore, Erythroxylum impressum is an independent species, showing no parasitic behavior, and maintains a consistent woody constitution throughout its growth.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Erythroxylum impressum 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 impressum 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