Erythroxylum novogranatense
Erythroxylum novogranatense · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (0 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Erythroxylum novogranatense is a significant botanical species primarily recognized for its production of the potent alkaloid cocaine. This plant serves as a vital subject of pharmacological study due to the complex biological interactions driven by its chemical constituents. Scientific research has identified that its primary active compound functions as a 5-HT-inhibitor and an ACE-inhibitor. Furthermore, the chemical profile of the plant includes activities as an aldehyde-oxidase-inhibitor and an aldose-reductase-inhibitor. Understanding these specific enzymatic inhibitions is essential for characterizing the plant's multifaceted biochemical impact.
- Synonyms
- Erythroxylum Coca Var. Novogranatense
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Erythroxylaceae
- Distribution
- Not available
- Plant Parts
- Not available
Classification
Common Names
Erythroxylum novogranatense is a botanical species recognized by a wide variety of regional and linguistic designations. In English-speaking contexts, it is most frequently referred to by its common name, the Colombian coca. This plant also carries specific nomenclature in other languages, such as kokaínovník novogranadský in Czech. Its identity is further reflected in East Asian terms, including the Japanese ナガバコカノキ and the Chinese 哥倫比亞古柯. Finally, it is sometimes identified as 新格拉那達古柯, illustrating the diverse ways this species is documented globally.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Erythroxylum novogranatense is a distinctive species frequently encountered in botanical studies of the coca family. Within scientific literature, this plant is often identified by its synonym, Erythroxylum coca var. novogranatense. Understanding this nomenclatural relationship is essential for researchers tracking the genetic diversity of the genus. While the names may differ across various texts, they both refer to the same biological entity. Recognizing these synonymous labels ensures clarity and consistency when documenting the plant's unique characteristics.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Erythroxylum novogranatense belongs to the kingdom Plantae, marking its place within the vast world of living vegetation. As a member of the class Equisetopsida, this species is categorized among the diverse group of flowering plants. It is further classified under the order Malpighiales, which connects it to a wide array of botanical relatives. Within this lineage, the plant is situated in the family Erythroxylaceae, highlighting its specific biological traits. Ultimately, it is defined by its membership in the genus Erythroxylum, completing its unique scientific identity.
| 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 novogranatense exhibits a widespread presence across various regions of the Asian continent. Within the temperate zones of Asia, the species is documented throughout much of China, including its South-Central and Southeast regions. Its range also extends to the island of Hainan and across Eastern Asia to Taiwan. Beyond temperate climates, the plant thrives in tropical Asian environments, specifically within the Indo-China region of Vietnam. This diverse distribution highlights the plant's ability to adapt to both temperate and tropical ecosystems.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Erythroxylum novogranatense is a self-supporting plant that typically adopts a shrub-like growth form. This species maintains a compact stature, generally reaching a maximum height of 3 meters. In certain conditions, however, it may grow slightly taller to reach a maximum height of 4 meters. These characteristics make it a distinctive component of its natural habitat.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Compounds
Erythroxylum novogranatense is a notable plant species distinguished by its ability to produce cocaine through specialized biosynthetic pathways. Recent genomic research has focused on the chromosome-level assembly of this plant to better understand the evolutionary origins of its tropane alkaloids. By comparing it to other species, scientists have identified how specific enzymes like ecgonone methyltransferase evolved to facilitate this unique chemical production. The study highlights how distinct mutations and gene duplications allowed the plant to develop the complex architecture required for cocaine biosynthesis. Ultimately, these findings provide critical insight into the independent evolutionary trajectories that lead to such significant chemotypic convergence.