Erythroxylum ulei

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern primarily concentrated within the western regions of South America. It can be found growing throughout the territories of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. In addition to these western nations, the species extends its reach into the Brazilian continent. Specifically, it is documented within the West-Central region of Brazil. Consequently, its habitat spans both the Andean areas and parts of the Brazilian interior.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Erythroxylum ulei is characterized by its presence within the Floresta de Vázea, a specific floodplain forest ecosystem. This species demonstrates a significant vertical distribution across varying altitudes, occupying an elevational range that begins at a minimum of 200 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 2600 m AMSL. Throughout its natural distribution, the plant maintains an average elevation of approximately 1500 m AMSL, reflecting its ability to adapt to diverse montane and lowland environmental gradients within its primary habitat.

Elevational range max:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range mean:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

200 m AMSL

Habitat :

Floresta de Várzea

Life history

The life history of Erythroxylum ulei is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons and maintains its physiological functions over a long-term duration. As a perennial plant, its developmental cycle does not conclude after a single reproductive event, allowing it to establish a stable presence within its ecological niche. This long-lived life cycle supports a continuous growth pattern where the plant can invest in robust structural development and repeated reproductive efforts over several years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Erythroxylum ulei is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub. This plant is a terrestrial species that grows independently, without parasitic or epiphytic dependencies. In terms of stature, it is a self-supporting organism that reaches a mean height of 3.5 m, with individual specimens capable of attaining a maximum height of up to 8 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

8 m

Plant height mean:

3.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Erythroxylum ulei is characterized by complex metabolic processes geared toward survival in specific tropical ecological niches, though it lacks the specialized symbiotic mechanisms required to function as a nitrogen fixer. Unlike many tropical legumes that maintain a relationship with rhizobia to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms, this species does not possess the physiological capacity for biological nitrogen fixation, meaning its growth and nitrogen uptake are entirely dependent on the availability of nitrates and ammonium within the soil substrate. Its metabolic activity is heavily influenced by environmental factors such as light intensity, humidity, and soil composition, which regulate its photosynthetic efficiency and nutrient assimilation rates. The plant's internal chemical processes involve the synthesis of various alkaloids, which are integrated into its secondary metabolism, serving as physiological defense mechanisms against herbivory. Consequently, its nutritional status and physiological vigor are closely tied to the nutrient cycling of its immediate habitat, as it cannot mitigate nitrogen deficiencies through atmospheric fixation.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Erythroxylum ulei has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include TROPACOCAINE, cocaine.

TROPACOCAINE

1. Dr. Duke

cocaine

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Erythroxylum ulei 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