Erythroxylum novogranatense (Morris) Hieron. var. novogranatense
Erythroxylum novogranatense var. novogranatense is a plant species belonging to the Erythroxylaceae family. It is also commonly known as Colombian coca or simply coca, and it is native to the Andean region of South America, particularly in Colombia.
Appearance
Erythroxylum novogranatense var. novogranatense is an evergreen shrub that can reach up to 6 meters in height. It has dark green leaves that are oblong in shape and leathery in texture, with small white or yellowish flowers that bloom in clusters. Its fruit is a small red berry that contains the seeds.
Uses
The leaves of Erythroxylum novogranatense var. novogranatense have been traditionally used for their stimulating and medicinal properties by indigenous communities in South America for thousands of years. The leaves contain alkaloids, including cocaine, which have a psychoactive effect on the human body. Furthermore, they are also used for medicinal purposes to treat various ailments such as pain, nausea, and fatigue.
However, due to the significant negative effects of cocaine on the human body, the cultivation, sale, and use of Erythroxylum novogranatense var. novogranatense is highly regulated and illegal in many countries across the globe, including the United States.
Light Requirements
Erythroxylum novogranatense (Morris) Hieron. var. novogranatense, commonly known as Colombian coca, grows well in partial to full sunlight. However, exposure to direct sunlight for prolonged periods can dry out the leaves and cause stress to the plant. Therefore, it is best to provide shading during the hottest part of the day, especially in regions with high temperatures.
Temperature Requirements
Colombian coca grows in a range of temperatures between 15 - 27? (59 - 81?). Temperatures below 15? can suppress plant growth, while temperatures above 27? can cause heat stress and damage to the leaves. The plant prefers a stable temperature range throughout the day and night.
Soil Requirements
The Colombian coca plant requires well-drained soil with a pH range between 5.8 - 6.5. The use of organic matter such as compost can improve soil fertility and moisture retention. The soil should also be rich in essential macronutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. However, care should be taken not to over-fertilize the plant as this can cause leaf drop and loss of potency.
Cultivation
The first step to cultivate Erythroxylum novogranatense (Morris) Hieron. var. novogranatense is to acquire seeds or saplings. It is advisable to obtain them from reputable nurseries or botanical gardens. They should be grown outdoors in a tropical or subtropical climate, in well-drained soil with a pH between 6.0 to 7.5. This species prefers partial shade and moderate humidity, and it is recommended to provide it with protection from strong winds.
Plant the seeds at a depth of 1/4 inch (0.5 cm) beneath the soil's surface, or transplant the saplings to a hole deep enough to cover the roots entirely. Water the seeds or saplings well, making sure not to oversaturate the soil. Covering the soil surface with mulch can help retain moisture, prevent weeds, and improve the soil's fertility.
Watering
Erythroxylum novogranatense (Morris) Hieron. var. novogranatense prefers consistent moisture levels in its soil but is susceptible to root rot in overwatered conditions. Watering should be done when the top 2 inches (5 cm) of soil are dry, typically once every five to seven days. Deep watering once a week is preferable to frequent, shallow watering that can lead to waterlogging the soil. Adjust the watering schedule according to environmental conditions such as rainfall and temperature, avoiding overwatering or underwatering.
Fertilization
Fertilization is crucial to promote healthy growth of Erythroxylum novogranatense (Morris) Hieron. var. novogranatense. Fertilize the plants with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer of 10-10-10 or 15-15-15, twice a year, in early spring and early summer. Avoid applying fertilizer during periods of drought or freezing temperatures as this can harm the plant's roots.
Pruning
Pruning can help maintain the growth and shape of the Erythroxylum novogranatense (Morris) Hieron. var. novogranatense. Pruning should be done during its dormant season or early spring before the new growth begins. Remove damaged, dead, or diseased branches, as well as branches that rub against each other, to prevent wounds and reduce the risk of pests and diseases. Avoid pruning more than 20% of the plant's foliage to avoid overstimulating the plant's growth.
Propagation of Erythroxylum novogranatense var. novogranatense
Erythroxylum novogranatense var. novogranatense, commonly known as coca, is a plant native to South America. It is mainly propagated through vegetative means rather than seeds, as the seeds have a low germination rate.
Propagation by Cuttings
The most common method of propagation for Erythroxylum novogranatense var. novogranatense is through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken from mature branches that are a healthy green color. Cuttings should be around 6-8 inches long and should have a couple of leaves attached near the tip.
The cuttings can be treated with rooting hormone to encourage root development. The cuttings can be planted in soil or a mix of perlite and peat moss. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, humid environment.
After a few weeks, the cutting should have developed roots and can be transplanted into a larger container or directly into the ground if the conditions are appropriate.
Propagation by Layering
Another method of propagation is through layering. This is the process of encouraging roots to grow on a branch while it is still attached to the parent plant. The branch can then be cut off and planted as a new plant.
To do this, choose a healthy green branch and scrape off a small area of bark at a node. Apply rooting hormone to the area and wrap it with moist sphagnum moss or a soil mix. Cover the moss with plastic wrap to keep it moist and secure it in place with tape or a rubber band.
After a few weeks, roots should have developed in the moss or soil. Cut the branch off below the wrapped area and plant it in soil or a mix of perlite and peat moss. Keep the new plant in a warm, humid environment until it has established itself.
Disease and Pest Management of Erythroxylum novogranatense (Morris) Hieron. var. novogranatense
Erythroxylum novogranatense (Morris) Hieron. var. novogranatense, commonly known as Colombian coca or simply coca, is a plant native to South America. It is well-known for its psychoactive alkaloid, cocaine. To ensure healthy growth and yield of this plant, it is essential to manage pests and diseases. The following are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and their respective management strategies.
Diseases
Coca mosaic virus: This virus is transmitted by insects and causes mosaic patterns on the leaves. Infected plants exhibit stunted growth, distorted leaves, and reduced yield. To manage this disease, it is advisable to control the insect vectors through the use of insecticides and to remove and destroy infected plants.
Grey mold: This fungal disease causes necrotic spots on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Infected plants may develop a greyish mold on the affected parts, leading to premature defoliation and reduced yield. To manage this disease, it is advisable to avoid overcrowding of plants, remove infected plant parts, and apply fungicides to control the spread of the disease.
Fusarium wilt: This soilborne fungal disease causes wilting, stunted growth, and yellowing of the leaves. Infected plants may die within a few weeks of infection. To manage this disease, it is advisable to practice crop rotation, avoid soil compaction, and apply fungicides to control fungal growth.
Pests
Coca leaf miner: This insect pest feeds on the leaves of the plant, leaving trails and blotches on the leaf surface. Infected plants exhibit reduced yield and stunted growth. To manage this pest, it is advisable to control the population through the use of insecticides and enclosing the crop with a fine mesh net to prevent adult insects from laying eggs on the plants.
Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellow spots on the leaves and webbing on the plant parts. Infected plants may exhibit defoliation and reduced yield. To manage this pest, it is advisable to maintain the humidity levels by sprinkling water on the leaves, apply insecticidal soap, and avoid overcrowding of plants.
Proper management of pests and diseases is essential to ensure healthy growth and yield of Erythroxylum novogranatense (Morris) Hieron. var. novogranatense. It is advisable to monitor the crop regularly and take appropriate action to prevent or manage any outbreaks.
