Erythroxylum Coca
Definition
The principal alkaloid-bearing species of the coca genus, native to the Andean highlands. The dominant species in illicit cocaine production is E. novogranatense var. novogranatense (Colombia).
- Genus
- Coca (Erythroxylum)
- Native range
- Andean highlands
- Dominant illicit-production taxon
- E. novogranatense var. novogranatense
- Main producing country
- Colombia
Common questions
Why does the species name matter in cocaine casework?+
Alkaloid content and profile differ between coca species and varieties, so identifying which species or variety a sample derives from can support geographic sourcing and cultivation-pattern intelligence in trafficking investigations.
Is Erythroxylum coca itself the main source of illicit cocaine today?+
Not primarily. Current illicit production is dominated by a related variety, E. novogranatense var. novogranatense, cultivated mainly in Colombia, rather than by E. coca itself.
Related terms
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- Enantiomeric Excess (Ee)
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- Levamisole
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- Phenylacetone (P2P, BMK)
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- Scott Test
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