Erythroxylum suberosum
Erythroxylum suberosum, commonly known as the Brazilian coca plant, is a significant medicinal shrub native to South America. Historically utilized by indigenous cultures, it contains alkaloids with diverse pharmacological properties. Research explores its potential applications in pain management and stimulant effects, emphasizing its profound importance in traditional ethnobotany.
- Scientific name: Erythroxylum suberosum
- Family: Erythroxylaceae
- Native range: Southern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Under the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls into the order Malpighiales and the family Erythroxylaceae. Finally, it is identified under the genus Erythroxylum as the species Erythroxylum suberosum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Malpighiales | WCVP |
| Family | Erythroxylaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Erythroxylum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Erythroxylum suberosum, is recognized by various common names depending on the linguistic and regional context. In English, it is frequently referred to as the corky coca plant, a name that highlights its distinctive botanical characteristics. When moving into Spanish-speaking regions, it is commonly called coca de corcho or coca corchosa. Additionally, in Portuguese, the plant is known as coca-de-cortiça.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse distribution across several regions of South America. In the northern part of the continent, it can be found within French Guiana, Guyana, and Venezuela. Its range also extends into western South America, specifically documented in Bolivia. Additionally, the species is present in the West-Central region of Brazil. Together, these locations highlight a broad presence across both northern and central parts of the continent.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern South America | French Guiana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Guyana | WCVP |
| Northern South America | Venezuela | WCVP |
| Western South America | Bolivia | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil West-Central | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Northeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil Southeast | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil North | WCVP |
| Brazil | Brazil South | WCVP |
| Southern South America | Paraguay | WCVP |
Activities
Erythroxylum suberosum has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antifungal.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Erythroxylum suberosum has 2 reported medicinal uses identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include infectious diseases, skin diseases.
- Total uses
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| infectious diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |