Homonym: Erythroxylum Coca (Cocaine)
Erythroxylum coca is a flowering plant native to South America, primarily found in the Andes region. It is best known for its leaves, which contain alkaloids, including cocaine. Traditionally, indigenous peoples have chewed the leaves for their stimulant effects and to alleviate altitude sickness.
The plant typically grows as a small shrub, reaching heights of 1 to 3 meters. Its leaves are dark green and oval-shaped, while the flowers are small and white. Erythroxylum coca is cultivated in several countries, but its cultivation is often controversial due to the illegal production of cocaine from its leaves.