Common coca plant - Erythroxylum coca

Description and Uses

Erythroxylum coca (Common coca plant) is a tropical plant from Andes. It is mainly grown for its medicinal crops (long shelflife), but also

can be produced. The crop is harvested by hand picking.

. Medical uses include;

The powdered leaf contains Cocaine (0.23 - 0.93%). After 4 years the plant can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Erythroxylum coca has a lifespan of 8 years.

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Environmental limitations

The plant is 3 meters tall. It is medium growing and tolerates not less light than partial shade. Erythroxylum coca has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations

(endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The plant`s flower-morphology is hermaphroditic and is pollinated by bees.

To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind and to fire .

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Pests and Diseases

and

diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are recalcitrant and can be stored for 2 months. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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