Erythroxylum vaccinifolium
Mart.
Catuaba
wikimedia· cc-by
Wikimedia Commons - Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil from Brazil
wikimedia· cc-by
Wikimedia Commons - Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil from Brazil
Summary
Source: WikipediaErythroxylum vaccinifolium is a flowering plant species in the genus Erythroxylum. It is used to prepare catuaba, an infusion used as an aphrodisiac in Brazilian herbal medicine. It contains a class of tropane alkaloids called catuabines, more specifically the alkaloids catuabine A, B and C.
Description
An erect shrub. It is densely branched. The leaves are broadly oval and dark green and shiny. They are 2.5 cm long. They are dull pale brown underneath. The flowers are small and produced singly or in clusters or 2-4.
Edible Uses
The bark is used as an herb.
Traditional Uses
It is used in tonic wines.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The plant is used in medicine and in tonic wines.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It needs a temperature above 15°C.
Where It Grows
Brazil, South America,
Notes
It is used in medicine.
References (1)
- Brown, D., 2002, The Royal Horticultural Society encyclopedia of Herbs and their uses. DK Books. p 206
