Erythroxylum

Erythroxylum (Erythroxylon) is a genus of tropical flowering plants in the family Erythroxylaceae. Many of the approximately 200 species contain the drug cocaine;[1][2] Erythroxylum coca, a native of South America, is the main commercial source of cocaine and of the mild stimulant coca tea. Another species, Erythroxylum vacciniifolium (also known as Catuaba) is used as an aphrodisiac in Brazilian drinks and herbal medicine.

Fruits of Erythroxylum deciduum

Erythroxylum
Erythroxylum monogynum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Malpighiales
Family: Erythroxylaceae
Genus: Erythroxylum
P. Browne
Species

200+, see text

Erythroxylum species are food sources for the larvae of some butterflies and moths, including several Morpho species and Dalcera abrasa, which has been recorded on E. deciduum, and the species of Agrias.

Erythroxylum citrifolium

Species include:

Erythroxylum tortuosum

References

  1. Dr Duke's List of plants containing COCAINE "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2004-11-07. Retrieved 2004-11-07.CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. Bieri S, Brachet A, Veuthey J, Christen P. Cocaine distribution in wild Erythroxylum species. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2006; 103: 439-447. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.08.021


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