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Description
Erythroxylum Sinense, also known as Chinese Erythroxylum or Chinese Coca, is a plant species that belongs to the Erythroxylaceae family. It is native to China and is widely cultivated in other parts of Southeast Asia. The plant is known for its medicinal properties and is often used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments. Its leaves and stems contain several alkaloids, including cocaine and ecgonine, which give the plant its medicinal properties.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Family | Erythroxylaceae |
| Genus | Erythroxylum |
Appearance
Erythroxylum Sinense is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 5 meters tall. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, with a length of around 10-15 cm and a width of 5-8 cm. The plant produces small, white flowers that are around 5 mm in diameter. Its fruits are small, round, and red, with a diameter of around 1 cm.
Care Guide
To care for Erythroxylum Sinense, it is important to provide it with the right amount of water, fertilizer, sunlight, and soil type. The plant prefers moist soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. It also thrives in full sunlight or partial shade.Watering the plant should be done regularly, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Fertilization should be done every two weeks during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Erythroxylum Sinense is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including spider mites, scale insects, and powdery mildew. Spider mites and scale insects can be controlled using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overwatering.
Habitat
Erythroxylum Sinense is native to China and is widely cultivated in other parts of Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand. It grows in subtropical and tropical regions and prefers moist, well-draining soil.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Erythroxylum Sinense legal to grow?
A: It depends on the country or state you are in. In some places, it is legal to grow the plant for ornamental purposes, while in others, it is considered a controlled substance.Q: Can Erythroxylum Sinense be grown indoors?
A: Yes, but it requires a lot of sunlight and space to grow properly.Q: How long does it take for Erythroxylum Sinense to mature?
A: It typically takes around 2-3 years for the plant to reach maturity.Q: What are the medicinal properties of Erythroxylum Sinense?
A: The plant is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat various ailments, including pain, fever, and digestive issues.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Erythroxylum Sinense:
- Erythroxylum Coca
- Erythroxylum Novogranatense
- Erythroxylum Catuaba
- Erythroxylum Vacciniifolium
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1395789/
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/coca-plant/growing-coca-plants.htm
- https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo/erythroxylum-sinense.html
- https://www.nature.com/articles/srep16498
