Erythroxylum novogranatense (Colombian Coca)

Native to northern and western South America, this evergreen shrub or small tree has alternate, smooth-edged leaves and slender twigs that often grow in a zigzag pattern. Small flowers arise singly or in groups beside the leaves. Each has five whitish-yellow petals and ten stamens joined at their bases into a short tube. Red, oblong fruits contain a single seed. The species has a long history of cultivation and has been introduced beyond its native range. Its leaves have traditional uses as stimulants and are also a source of cocaine. Photographed in Colombia.