Erythroxylum
Erythroxylum is a genus of flowering plants in the family Erythroxylaceae, primarily found in tropical regions. This genus includes about 200 species, with the most well-known being Erythroxylum coca, the source of cocaine. These plants typically have simple leaves and small flowers, and they thrive in various habitats, including rainforests and savannas.
Erythroxylum species are important ecologically and economically. They provide habitat for various wildlife and are used in traditional medicine by indigenous peoples. Additionally, some species are cultivated for their psychoactive properties, while others are studied for their potential medicinal benefits in modern pharmacology.