Coca

Coca is the common name for cultivated tropical shrubs in the genus Erythroxylum, especially Erythroxylum coca and Erythroxylum novogranatense.

Coca is the common name for cultivated tropical shrubs in the genus Erythroxylum, especially Erythroxylum coca and Erythroxylum novogranatense. The leaves have been used traditionally in parts of South America, and they are also the botanical source material from which cocaine can be extracted. The plant is a tropical shrub native to the Andes and Amazon region of South America, growing to about 2 to 3 metres in height.

Taxonomy

Coca refers to cultivated plants in the genus Erythroxylum, especially Erythroxylum coca and Erythroxylum novogranatense. Sources describe multiple domesticated varieties within these two species.

Description

The coca plant is a shrub-like tropical species with curved branches, oval leaves, small yellowish-white flowers, and red berries. It is commonly described as reaching about 2 to 3 metres in height.

Traditional and cultural use

Coca leaves have been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples in the Andes for ritual, medicinal, and everyday purposes. Modern sources also note traditional chewing and tea use in parts of the plant's native range.

Relation to cocaine

Coca leaves are the botanical raw material used to produce cocaine, a potent stimulant and anaesthetic. The leaf contains several alkaloids, but the cocaine content is relatively low.

Cultivation and range

Coca is native to tropical regions of South America and is mainly associated with humid forest and Andean environments. Some sources note limited cultivation in other tropical regions.