Origin
Erythrococca dewevrei (Pax) Prain, commonly called "red coca" or "Inca coca," is a tropical plant species in the Erythrococca genus, which is predominantly distributed throughout the Amazon basin and Andean regions of South America. The plant is native to Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, where it is often found growing in moist, shady areas at high elevations of up to 3500 meters above sea level.
Common Names
Erythrococca dewevrei is known by many names across the Andean region of South America. In addition to "red coca" and "Inca coca," it is called "sapanca" in Bolivia and "chimpa" in Ecuador.
Uses
Erythrococca dewevrei is primarily used for its medicinal properties. The plant contains a variety of chemical compounds that may have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-cancer effects. It is traditionally used in South American indigenous medicine to treat a range of health conditions, including inflammation, arthritis, and cancer.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Erythrococca dewevrei is also used to produce a red dye known as "cochinilla." The dye is produced from the insect that lives on the plant and is used to color fabrics, food, and cosmetics.
General Appearance
Erythrococca dewevrei is a compact shrub that can reach up to two meters in height. The plant has small, narrow leaves that are green in color and grow in an alternate pattern along the stem. Erythrococca dewevrei produces small, red, berry-like fruits that contain one or two seeds. The plant's white and pink flowers are also small and tubular in shape.
Erythrococca dewevrei is a hardy plant that can tolerate a range of growing conditions. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial to full shade. The plant can be propagated from seed or cuttings and is often grown as an ornamental due to its attractive foliage and colorful fruits.
Light Requirements
Erythrococca dewevrei requires moderate to bright indirect light for proper growth. As a tropical plant, it prefers to grow in areas that receive filtered light, such as under a canopy of trees. Direct sunlight can burn the leaves and cause damage to the plant.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Erythrococca dewevrei is between 20-30°C (68-86°F). The plant can tolerate cooler temperatures but cannot survive in temperatures below 10°C (50°F) for prolonged periods. It is best to keep the plant away from drafty areas or cold air conditioning vents.
Soil Requirements
Erythrococca dewevrei prefers rich, well-draining soil. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot. A suitable mix can be made with equal parts of peat moss, perlite and vermiculite. The plant can also grow in soilless mixes, such as coco coir or sphagnum moss.
Cultivation
Erythrococca dewevrei (Pax) Prain thrives in a warm and humid environment and can be grown in well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter. The plant prefers partial shade and can be grown in pots or in the ground with other shade-loving plants.
If growing Erythrococca dewevrei (Pax) Prain in pots, ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes to avoid waterlogging. The plant can be transplanted into a larger pot as it grows.
Watering Needs
Erythrococca dewevrei (Pax) Prain prefers consistently moist soil and should be watered thoroughly when the top few inches of soil are dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important to avoid letting the plant sit in standing water.
During hot and dry periods, the plant may require more frequent watering, while during cooler periods, less watering frequency may be necessary.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is essential for the optimal growth of Erythrococca dewevrei (Pax) Prain. Use a balanced fertilizer, with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during the growing season, from spring to late summer. Fertilize once a month, following the manufacturer's instructions, to avoid overfertilization.
During the winter, fertilization should be decreased or stopped altogether, depending on the environmental conditions in which the plant is growing.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Erythrococca dewevrei (Pax) Prain. However, if the plant becomes too bushy or out of control, it can be lightly pruned to maintain its shape and size. Pruning can also be done to remove any dry or dead leaves, stems, or flowers. Use a clean and sharp pair of pruning shears to avoid tearing or damaging the plant.
Propagation of Erythrococca dewevrei (Pax) Prain
Erythrococca dewevrei is a flowering plant that is propagated by seeds and stem cuttings. The propagation method used depends on the availability of plant material and desired outcome of propagation.
Propagation by Seeds
Propagation by seeds can either be direct sowing or starting the seeds in a greenhouse or nursery. The seeds are collected from mature plants and should be cleaned and dried before planting. Planting should be done in well-draining soil, which is kept moist and warm for better germination. Erythrococca dewevrei seeds require light to germinate and should, therefore, be planted on the soil surface. Germination can take up to four weeks.
Propagation by Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is mostly used for vegetative propagation, and the resulting plants are genetically identical to the parent plant. Stem cuttings should be taken from mature plants, preferably during the active growing period, and should be around six inches long with two or three leaves. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cuttings should be planted in a well-draining rooting medium such as perlite or sand. The cuttings should be kept warm and moist, and roots should develop within four weeks.
Disease and Pest Management for Erythrococca dewevrei (Pax) Prain
Erythrococca dewevrei (Pax) Prain is a tropical plant that is prone to, various diseases and pests. In order to keep the plant healthy, it is important to identify and control these issues in a timely manner.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that can affect Erythrococca dewevrei is black pod rot. This disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in wet conditions. Symptoms of black pod rot include black spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To control this disease, it is important to keep the plant dry and avoid watering it excessively. If the disease persists, applying a fungicide may be necessary.
Another disease that can affect Erythrococca dewevrei is root rot. This disease can occur when the plant is overwatered and the soil remains too wet. Symptoms of root rot include wilting leaves and stunted growth. To prevent root rot, it is important to water the plant only when the top layer of soil is dry. If root rot has already set in, it may be necessary to repot the plant in new, well-draining soil and cut away any infected roots.
Common Pests
Erythrococca dewevrei is also susceptible to several pests, including spider mites, aphids, and mealybugs. These pests feed on the plant's leaves and sap, causing damage to the foliage. To control these pests, it is important to remove any infected leaves and apply an insecticide. Additionally, introducing natural predators like ladybugs or lacewings can help control pest populations.
In conclusion, proper disease and pest management is critical for maintaining a healthy Erythrococca dewevrei plant. Keeping the plant dry, avoiding overwatering, and applying fungicides or insecticides when necessary can help control disease and pest populations.
