Erythroxylum macrophyllum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad distribution across several key regions of North and Central America. In Mexico, its presence is documented throughout the Gulf region and the Southeast. Furthermore, it can be found spanning the southwestern portions of the country. Moving south into Central America, the species is established within the borders of Belize. Finally, its geographical range extends further south into the territory of Costa Rica.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Erythroxylum macrophyllum is characterized by its ability to inhabit diverse forest ecosystems, ranging from riparian zones and gallery forests (Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria) to seasonally flooded forests (Floresta de Igapó) and upland, non-flooded forests (Floresta de Terra Firme). This species demonstrates a broad altitudinal adaptability, thriving across an elevational range that extends from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum altitude of 1800 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1800 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta Ciliar ou Galeria, Floresta de Igapó, Floresta de Terra Firme

Morphology

The morphology of Erythroxylum macrophyllum is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree that reaches a maximum plant height of 13 m. It functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite, maintaining a terrestrial existence that distinguishes it from aquatic or semiaquatic species. Although it possesses the structural capacity to be classified under various growth habits, it is specifically a self-supporting tree, lacking the climbing mechanisms of a liana or vine. Furthermore, it is a strictly terrestrial plant, showing no epiphytic tendencies such as holoepiphytic or hemiepiphytic growth, and instead relies on its own woody structure for stability and support.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

13 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Erythroxylum macrophyllum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. In terms of leaf structural investment and resource management, the plant exhibits a highly consistent leaf dry matter content (LDMC). Quantitative analysis shows a mean LDMC value of 435.4 mg/g, a figure that remains uniform across its observed range, with both the minimum and maximum recorded values standing at 435.4 mg/g. This stability in LDMC suggests a highly regulated allocation of biomass within the leaf tissue, reflecting specific adaptations in leaf density and structural durability.

Leaf dry matter content (LDMC) mean:

435.4 mg/g

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Erythroxylum macrophyllum is primarily facilitated through the production of seeds contained within its fruit structures. The sexual reproduction cycle results in seeds that exhibit significant morphological variability in terms of size. Specifically, the seed length within this species can range from a minimum of 1 mm to a maximum of 30 mm. This developmental variability in seed dimensions is a key characteristic of its reproductive output, playing a crucial role in the dispersal and subsequent establishment of new seedlings in its natural habitat.

Seed length max:

30 mm

Seed length min:

1 mm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

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

TROPACOCAINE

1. Dr. Duke