Erythroxylum pulchrum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the diverse landscapes of Brazil. Its presence is notably recorded in the Northeast region of the country. Furthermore, the species can also be located within the Southeast territory of Brazil. These specific areas represent its known geographical range within South America. Consequently, its distribution is concentrated in these two distinct Brazilian regions.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Erythroxylum pulchrum is characterized by its adaptability to diverse and specialized environmental niches within tropical and subtropical landscapes. This species thrives across a range of distinct ecosystems, including the Seasonal Semi-deciduous Forest (Floresta Estacional Semidecidual), where it must navigate fluctuations in water availability and leaf shedding. It is also found in Ombrophilous Forests (Floresta Ombrófila), which are characterized by high rainfall and consistent humidity, as well as in Restinga, the coastal sandy vegetation that presents unique challenges such as high salinity and nutrient-poor soils. Furthermore, the plant demonstrates resilience by colonizing vegetation over rocky outcrops (Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos), indicating an ability to establish itself in thin, lithic soils and microhabitats with high solar exposure and limited moisture retention.

Habitat :

Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Restinga, Vegetação Sobre Afloramentos Rochosos

Life history

The life history of Erythroxylum pulchrum is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a stable presence within its ecosystem. Throughout its development, the species maintains an evergreen habit, ensuring that its foliage remains functional and photosynthetic year-round without the seasonal shedding of leaves typical of deciduous species.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Erythroxylum pulchrum is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, typically reaching an average height of 7 m, though it can attain a maximum height of up to 10 m. As a terrestrial organism, it does not exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic tendencies, nor does it function as an epiphyte, remaining strictly terrestrial in its habitat. The plant is a self-supporting structure, categorized as both a self-supporting climber and a non-climbing tree, meaning it does not require external support like a liana or vine to maintain its stature. Furthermore, it is an independent species that does not exhibit parasitic behavior, maintaining its own nutritional processes without relying on a host.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

10 m

Plant height mean:

7 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Erythroxylum pulchrum is characterized by complex metabolic processes geared toward survival in its specific ecological niche. Regarding its nutrient acquisition strategies, the plant does not function as a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria necessary to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia; instead, it relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium from the soil through its root system. Its metabolic pathways are optimized for efficient photosynthesis and the synthesis of specific secondary metabolites, which play crucial roles in its chemical defense and environmental adaptation. The physiological regulation of its growth involves intricate hormonal signaling that manages transpiration rates and nutrient transport within its vascular tissues to maintain homeostasis under varying environmental conditions.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Erythroxylum pulchrum is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, indicating that the plant relies on living organisms to facilitate the transfer of pollen. This reproductive process is primarily driven by insect vectors, which play a crucial role in the fertilization cycle. Specifically, the plant exhibits a specialized relationship with bees, which serve as key pollinators to ensure successful genetic exchange. Through these biotic interactions involving insects and bees, the plant achieves effective pollination, moving away from abiotic methods like wind or water to ensure its reproductive success.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Erythroxylum pulchrum has 3 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Cinnamoylcocaine, beta-Cocaine, cocaine.

Cinnamoylcocaine

1. Dr. Duke

beta-Cocaine

1. Dr. Duke

cocaine

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Erythroxylum pulchrum 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