On the map in 2 countries shrub symbol: Bolivia

Coca

Erythroxylum coca

Family: Erythroxylaceae

On our map this plant appears in 2 countries and ranks highest in: Bolivia, Peru.

Coca is a shrub growing to 2–3 m, with oval, light green leaves, small yellowish-white flowers and red drupes. It is grown on terraces in warm, humid valleys on the eastern slopes of the Andes. The leaves contain small amounts of alkaloids, including cocaine; traditionally chewing the leaves (akulliku) or drinking “mate de coca” tea relieves hunger, fatigue and the symptoms of altitude sickness. For thousands of years coca leaves have played a role in rituals, offerings to Pachamama and the social life of Andean peoples.

Description from: Bolivia.

More: Wikipedia (en) Wikipedia (pl) Plants of the World Online (Kew)

Significance in each country

Bolivia no. 4 of 10 native

Protected by the constitution as part of Bolivia’s cultural heritage

The 2009 constitution recognises coca as cultural heritage and protects its traditional cultivation, and Bolivia negotiated at the UN the right to chew coca leaves legally on its territory.

Peru no. 8 of 15 native

In the Inca state coca was a sacred plant, used in rituals and by the elite; today chewing the leaves (chacchado) and drinking mate de coca are legal and widespread in Peru, and three coca leaves are offered to Pachamama.