Erythroxylum coca aka Coca Bush

Erythroxylum coca, or coca, is in the family Erythroxylaceae. This woody shrub comes from western South America. Useful Tropical Plants lists Peru and Bolivia in its range. It also lists northern Brazil and the Amazon rainforest habitat. The plant grows at middle and higher sites in the tropics. People grow it across much of the tropical Andes. Some plants also grow wild in that region.

Coca grows as a shrub or a small tree. Most plants reach about 3.3–6.6 feet [1–2 metres] tall. A separate height entry gives 4.9 feet [1.5 metres]. Its branches have clear marks called lenticels. Some of these marks look like warts. They help to identify its woody growth. The source gives no close account of leaf shape. It does not describe the flowers or fruit. It lists seed as a way to raise new plants.

This plant grows best in a sunny spot. It prefers daytime heat between 17°C and 23°C. It can cope with a wider range of 14°C to 27°C. It favours sites with 1,000–2,100 millimetres of rain each year. The source gives rainfall limits of 700 to 4,000 millimetres. These figures describe the climate, not when to water. Cold poses a clear risk to growth and survival. Heat levels near −1°C can cause severe harm to young growth. Mature plants may die at −5°C or below.

Coca can be hard to grow outside its Andean region. In Southeast Asia, the source records it only in botanic gardens. People also grow it in Africa's tropical mountain areas. Much of the crop serves medical uses or the illegal cocaine trade. The source gives no specific uses in garden design. It names no pests or diseases that affect this species. The stated cold limits still restrict growth outdoors.

The leaves contain cocaine and other compounds called alkaloids. Local people have long used them to ease hunger and fatigue. They also use a leaf infusion, or steeped drink, for altitude sickness. Drug makers use the plant in drugs that numb a small area. These reports describe uses, not proof of safe home treatment. The source lists no known food uses for this plant. It lists no known hazards but gives no detailed safety review. That entry does not mean the leaves are harmless.