Java coca, Colombian coca
Erythroxylum novogranatense

Family: Erythroxylaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. The leaves are simple and alternate. They are narrowly oval and 1-5 cm long by 1-2 cm wide. Flowers can occur singly or in groups. They are small and whitish yellow. The fruit are red and oblong. They are 7-8 mmlong by 3 mm wide.

There are about 250 Erythroxylum species. It contains tropane alkaloids. It is a narcotic.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows up to 1600 m altitude in the Andes. It suits the hot moist tropics. In XTBG.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Asia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, SE Asia, South America (country/location of origin), Sri Lanka, Taiwan

How it is used for food

The leaves are chewed as a stimulant. They are used in drinks.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds and from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Koka kolumbia

Synonyms

Erythroxylum coca var. nono-granatense Morris;