Coca plant - Erythroxylum novogranatense

Description and Uses

Erythroxylum novogranatense (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 (0.42 - 1.02%). The plant`s wood is called Coca wood and has a density of 0 - 0 kg/m³. After 4 years the plant can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Erythroxylum novogranatense 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 shade tolerant. Erythroxylum novogranatense 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.

Erythroxylum novogranatense thrives in an altitude of 0 to 1000 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 0°C and optimally between 20 - 25°C. The optimal rainfall is 1950 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 700 - 2500 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 6.0 in a soil texture of loam. 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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