coca

A shrub, Erythroxylon coca, whose leaves contain various alkaloids, especially cocaine. Native to the Andes, it is widely cultivated elsewhere. The leaves have been chewed by South American Indians for centuries to quell and hunger and to refresh. Cocaine-free coca extracts are used in making cola drinks. The plant has yellow-white flowers growing in clusters, and red berries. It grows to a height of about 2.4 meters (8 ft).

Related category

• BOTANY

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