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Coca

Binomial name
Erythroxylum coca
Lam.

Coca (Erythroxylum coca), often spelled koka in Quechua and Aymara, is a plant in the family Erythroxylaceae, native to northwestern South America. Under the older Cronquist system of classifying flowering plants, this was placed in an order Linales; more modern systems place it in the order Malpighiales. The plant is best-known in modern times for the drug cocaine that is manufactured from it.

The plant resembles a blackthorn bush, and grows to a height of 2-3 m. The branches are straight, and the leaves, which have a green tint, are thin, opaque, oval, more or less tapering at the extremities. A marked characteristic of the leaf is an areolated portion bounded by two longitudinal curved lines once on each side of the midrib, and more conspicuous on the under face of the leaf.

The flowers are small, and disposed in little clusters on short stalks; the corolla is composed of five yellowish-white petals, the anthers are heart-shaped, and the pistil consists of three carpels united to form a three-chambered ovary. The flowers mature into red berries.

The leaves are sometimes eaten by the moth Eloria noyesi.

Cultivation and uses

Coca is traditionally cultivated in the lower altitudes of the eastern slopes of the Andes. Since ancient times, its leaves have been used as a stimulant by the indigenous people of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and northern Argentina; it also has religious and symbolic significance. Since the 1980s, the cultivation of coca has become controversial because it is used for the manufacture of the drug cocaine, which is illegal in most countries.

Good samples of the dried leaves are uncurled, are of a deep green on the upper, and a grey-green on the lower surface, and have a strong tea-like odor; when chewed they produce a faint numbness in the mouth, and have a pleasant, pungent taste. Bad specimens have a camphoraceous smell and a brownish colour, and lack the pungent taste.

The seeds are sown in December and January in small plots (almacigas) sheltered from the sun, and the young plants when from 40-60 cm in height are placed in holes (aspi), or, if the ground is level, in furrows (uachos) in carefully weeded soil. The plants thrive best in hot, damp situations, such as the clearings of forests; but the leaves most preferred are obtained in drier localities, on the sides of hills. The leaves are gathered from plants varying in age from one and a half to upwards of forty years. They are considered ready for plucking when they break on being bent. The first and most abundant harvest is in March, after the rains; the second is at the end of June, the third in October or November. The green leaves (matu) are spread in thin layers on coarse woollen cloths and dried in the sun; they are then packed in sacks, which must be kept dry in order to preserve the quality of the leaves.

Pharmacological aspects

The pharmacologically active ingredient of coca is the alkaloid cocaine which is found in the amount of about 0.2% in fresh leaves. Besides cocaine, the coca leaf contains a number of other alkaloids, including Methylecgonine cinnamate, Benzoylecgonine, Truxilline, Hydroxytropacocaine, Tropacocaine, Ecgonine, Cuscohygrine, Dihydrocuscohygrine, Nicotine and Hygrine. When chewed, Coca acts as a stimulant to help ignore hunger sensations, thirst, and fatigue. Some anesthetics such as Novocaine are derived from the coca plant.

Traditional uses

In the Andes, the indigenous peoples have been chewing the leaves of the coca plant for millennia. They traditionally carried a woven pouch called a chuspa or huallqui in which they kept a day's supply of coca leaves, along with a small amount of ilucta or uipta, which is made from pulverized unslaked lime or from the ashes of the quinoa plant. A tiny quantity of ilucta is chewed together with the coca leaves; it softens their astringent flavor and activates the alkaloids. Other names for this basifying substance are llipta in Peru and lejía in Bolivia. Many of these materials are salty in flavor, but there are variations. The most common base in the La Paz area of Bolivia is a product known as lejía dulce which is made from quinoa ashes mixed with anise and cane sugar, forming a soft black putty with a sweet and pleasing licorice flavor. In some places, baking soda is used under the name bico.

The practice of chewing coca was most likely originally a simple matter of survival. The coca leaf contained many essential nutrients in addition to its more well-known mood-altering alkaloid. It is rich in protein and vitamins, and it grows in regions where other food sources are scarce. The perceived boost in energy and strength provided by the cocaine in coca leaves was also very functional in an area where oxygen is scarce and extensive walking is essential. The coca plant was so central to the worldview of the Yunga and Aymara tribes of South America that distance was often measured in units called "cocada", which signified the number of mouthfuls of coca that one would chew while walking from one point to another. Cocada can also be used as a measurement of time, meaning the amount of time it takes for a mouthful of coca to lose its flavor and activity. In testament of the significance of coca to indigenous cultures, it is widely believed that the word "coca" most likely originally simply meant "plant," in other words, coca was not just a plant but the plant.

Coca was also a vital part of the religious cosmology of the Andean tribes in the pre-Inca period as well as throughout the Inca Empire (Tahuantinsuyu). Coca was historically employed as an offering to the Sun, or to produce smoke at the great sacrifices; and the priests, it was believed, must chew it during the performance of religious ceremonies, otherwise the gods would not be propitiated. Coca is still held in veneration among the indigenous and mestizo peoples of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and northern Argentina and Chile. It is believed by the miners of Cerro de Pasco to soften the veins of ore, if masticated (chewed) and thrown upon them (see also Cocomama). Coca leaves play a crucial part in offerings to the apus (mountains), Inti (the sun), or Pachamama (the earth). Coca leaves are often read in a form of divination analogous to reading tea leaves in other cultures.

In the Sierra Nevadas de Santa Marta, on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, coca is consumed by the Kogi, Arhuaco & Wiwa by using a special gadget called poporo. The poporo is the mark of manhood, but it is a female's sexual symbol. It represents the womb and the stick is a phallic symbol. The movements of the stick in the poporo symbolize the sexual act. For a man the poporo is a good companion which means "food" "woman", "memory" and "meditation". Women are prohibited of using coca. It is important to stress that poporo is the symbol of manhood. But it is the woman who gives man their manhood. When the boy is ready to be married, his mother will initiate him in the use of the coca. This act of initiation is carefully supervised by the mama, a traditional leader.

The activity of chewing coca is called chacchar or acullicar, borrowed from Quechua, or in Bolivia, picchar, derived from the Aymara language. The Spanish masticar is also frequently used. Doing so usually causes users to feel a tingling and numbing sensation in their mouths, similar to receiving Novocain during a dental procedure. Even today, chewing coca leaves is a common sight in indigenous communities across the central Andean region, particularly in places like the mountains of Bolivia, where the cultivation and consumption of coca is as much a part of the national culture as wine is to France or beer is to Germany. It also serves as a powerful symbol of indigenous cultural and religious identity, amongst a diversity of indigenous nations throughout South America. Bags of coca leaves are sold in local markets and by street vendors. Commercially manufactured coca teas are also available in most stores and supermarkets, including upscale suburban supermarkets.

International use

Coca has a long history of export and use around the world. Modern export of processed coca (as cocaine) to global markets is well documented, and coca leaves are exported for coca tea, flavoring (Coca-Cola), and for medical use. Historical evidence points to a long history of coca export. Samples taken from nine Egyptian mummies that were dated from between 1070 B.C. to 395 A.D. showed traces of cocaine (and nicotine), and these studies have been used as evidence of pre-Columbian trans-oceanic contact. Several pipes taken from Shakespeare's residence and dated to the seventeenth century have shown evidence of cocaine, which was first introduced to Europe in the 16th century.

Industrial use

Coca is used industrially in the cosmetics and food industries. The Coca-Cola Company buys 115 tons of coca leaf from Peru and 105 tons from Bolivia per year, which it uses as an ingredient in its Coca-Cola formula (famously a trade secret). The cocaine itself does not end up in the drink nowadays, however, and is generally sold to the pharmaceutical industry where it is used for various surgical procedures. [1] In Colombia, the Paeces, a Tierradentro (Cauca) indigenous community, started in December 2005 to produce a drink called "Coca Sek." The production method belong to the resguardos of Calderas (Inzá) and takes about 150 kg of coca per 3000 produced bottles.

Legality

International

Article 26 of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs states:

The Article 23 controls referred to in paragraph 1 are rules requiring opium-, coca-, and cannabis-cultivating nations to designate an agency to regulate said cultivation and take physical possession of the crops as soon as possible after harvest. Article 27 states that "The Parties may permit the use of coca leaves for the preparation of a flavouring agent, which shall not contain any alkaloids, and, to the extent necessary for such use, may permit the production, import, export, trade in and possession of such leaves". This provision is designed to accommodate Coca-Cola and other producers of coca products.

In December 2005, Evo Morales, a former coca growers union leader, was elected President of Bolivia and promised to legalize the cultivation and traditional use of coca. Morales asserts that "coca no es cocaína"--the coca leaf is not cocaine.

See further

References

This article incorporates text from the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, a publication in the public domain.


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This article incorporates text from the 1911 Encyclopædia Britannica, a publication in the public domain.. Other entities and concepts named crown include:. Morales asserts that "coca no es cocaína"--the coca leaf is not cocaine. In first-person shooters, crowning is the act of shooting an opponent in the back of the head with a shotgun, and is considered a grave humiliation. In December 2005, Evo Morales, a former coca growers union leader, was elected President of Bolivia and promised to legalize the cultivation and traditional use of coca. Crown is also the name of several currencies, originally bearing this symbol of the emitting monarchy (or modelled after such a coin) :. This provision is designed to accommodate Coca-Cola and other producers of coca products. Crown names several entities associated with monarchy:.

Article 27 states that "The Parties may permit the use of coca leaves for the preparation of a flavouring agent, which shall not contain any alkaloids, and, to the extent necessary for such use, may permit the production, import, export, trade in and possession of such leaves". Crown (comics), an enemy of Spider-Man. The Article 23 controls referred to in paragraph 1 are rules requiring opium-, coca-, and cannabis-cultivating nations to designate an agency to regulate said cultivation and take physical possession of the crops as soon as possible after harvest. The Crown (German:Diu Crône) is an Arthurian romance. Article 26 of the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs states:. Bank Arena, an indoor arena in Cincinnati, Ohio. [1] In Colombia, the Paeces, a Tierradentro (Cauca) indigenous community, started in December 2005 to produce a drink called "Coca Sek." The production method belong to the resguardos of Calderas (Inzá) and takes about 150 kg of coca per 3000 produced bottles. "The Crown" is another name for the U.S.

The cocaine itself does not end up in the drink nowadays, however, and is generally sold to the pharmaceutical industry where it is used for various surgical procedures. Toyota Crown, a Toyota car. The Coca-Cola Company buys 115 tons of coca leaf from Peru and 105 tons from Bolivia per year, which it uses as an ingredient in its Coca-Cola formula (famously a trade secret). Ford Crown Victoria, a Ford car. Coca is used industrially in the cosmetics and food industries. Crown Hall, a famous work of modern architecture. Several pipes taken from Shakespeare's residence and dated to the seventeenth century have shown evidence of cocaine, which was first introduced to Europe in the 16th century. The Crown (band), is a metal band.

showed traces of cocaine (and nicotine), and these studies have been used as evidence of pre-Columbian trans-oceanic contact. Crown of Thorns. to 395 A.D. Crown (game), a computer game. Samples taken from nine Egyptian mummies that were dated from between 1070 B.C. Crown (dentistry), a dental treatment. Historical evidence points to a long history of coca export. Crown (botany), the branching leaf bearing portion of a tree.

Modern export of processed coca (as cocaine) to global markets is well documented, and coca leaves are exported for coca tea, flavoring (Coca-Cola), and for medical use. Crown (cards), a "fifth" suit in playing cards. Coca has a long history of export and use around the world. Crown (anatomy), the top of the head. Commercially manufactured coca teas are also available in most stores and supermarkets, including upscale suburban supermarkets. Crown Records, a record label. Bags of coca leaves are sold in local markets and by street vendors. Crown International, Elkhart, Indiana, tape recorder and amplifier manufacturer.

It also serves as a powerful symbol of indigenous cultural and religious identity, amongst a diversity of indigenous nations throughout South America. Bonifacius, Minnesota. Even today, chewing coca leaves is a common sight in indigenous communities across the central Andean region, particularly in places like the mountains of Bolivia, where the cultivation and consumption of coca is as much a part of the national culture as wine is to France or beer is to Germany. Crown College (Minnesota), a small private college in St. Doing so usually causes users to feel a tingling and numbing sensation in their mouths, similar to receiving Novocain during a dental procedure. Crown College (California), one of the residential colleges at the University of California, Santa Cruz. The Spanish masticar is also frequently used. Crown of the Polish Kingdom, territories of the Kingdom of Poland.

The activity of chewing coca is called chacchar or acullicar, borrowed from Quechua, or in Bolivia, picchar, derived from the Aymara language. the Swedish crown. This act of initiation is carefully supervised by the mama, a traditional leader. the Norwegian crown. When the boy is ready to be married, his mother will initiate him in the use of the coca. the Icelandic crown. But it is the woman who gives man their manhood. the Estonian crown.

It is important to stress that poporo is the symbol of manhood. the Faroese crown. Women are prohibited of using coca. the Danish crown. For a man the poporo is a good companion which means "food" "woman", "memory" and "meditation". the Slovak crown. The movements of the stick in the poporo symbolize the sexual act. the Czech crown.

It represents the womb and the stick is a phallic symbol. the Slovak crown in WWII. The poporo is the mark of manhood, but it is a female's sexual symbol. the Czechoslovak crown. In the Sierra Nevadas de Santa Marta, on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, coca is consumed by the Kogi, Arhuaco & Wiwa by using a special gadget called poporo. the Austro-Hungarian crown. Coca leaves are often read in a form of divination analogous to reading tea leaves in other cultures. the British crown.

Coca leaves play a crucial part in offerings to the apus (mountains), Inti (the sun), or Pachamama (the earth). Crowning, a Russian novel. It is believed by the miners of Cerro de Pasco to soften the veins of ore, if masticated (chewed) and thrown upon them (see also Cocomama). Compare Crown colony, Crown land. Coca is still held in veneration among the indigenous and mestizo peoples of Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia and northern Argentina and Chile. The Crown, a term used to separate the government authority and property of the government from the personal influence and private assets held by the current Monarch of a kingdom. Coca was historically employed as an offering to the Sun, or to produce smoke at the great sacrifices; and the priests, it was believed, must chew it during the performance of religious ceremonies, otherwise the gods would not be propitiated. A crown (headgear), the headgear worn by a monarch, other high dignitaries, divinities etcetera.

Coca was also a vital part of the religious cosmology of the Andean tribes in the pre-Inca period as well as throughout the Inca Empire (Tahuantinsuyu). In testament of the significance of coca to indigenous cultures, it is widely believed that the word "coca" most likely originally simply meant "plant," in other words, coca was not just a plant but the plant. Cocada can also be used as a measurement of time, meaning the amount of time it takes for a mouthful of coca to lose its flavor and activity. The coca plant was so central to the worldview of the Yunga and Aymara tribes of South America that distance was often measured in units called "cocada", which signified the number of mouthfuls of coca that one would chew while walking from one point to another.

The perceived boost in energy and strength provided by the cocaine in coca leaves was also very functional in an area where oxygen is scarce and extensive walking is essential. It is rich in protein and vitamins, and it grows in regions where other food sources are scarce. The coca leaf contained many essential nutrients in addition to its more well-known mood-altering alkaloid. The practice of chewing coca was most likely originally a simple matter of survival.

In some places, baking soda is used under the name bico. The most common base in the La Paz area of Bolivia is a product known as lejía dulce which is made from quinoa ashes mixed with anise and cane sugar, forming a soft black putty with a sweet and pleasing licorice flavor. Many of these materials are salty in flavor, but there are variations. Other names for this basifying substance are llipta in Peru and lejía in Bolivia.

A tiny quantity of ilucta is chewed together with the coca leaves; it softens their astringent flavor and activates the alkaloids. They traditionally carried a woven pouch called a chuspa or huallqui in which they kept a day's supply of coca leaves, along with a small amount of ilucta or uipta, which is made from pulverized unslaked lime or from the ashes of the quinoa plant. In the Andes, the indigenous peoples have been chewing the leaves of the coca plant for millennia. Some anesthetics such as Novocaine are derived from the coca plant.

When chewed, Coca acts as a stimulant to help ignore hunger sensations, thirst, and fatigue. Besides cocaine, the coca leaf contains a number of other alkaloids, including Methylecgonine cinnamate, Benzoylecgonine, Truxilline, Hydroxytropacocaine, Tropacocaine, Ecgonine, Cuscohygrine, Dihydrocuscohygrine, Nicotine and Hygrine. The pharmacologically active ingredient of coca is the alkaloid cocaine which is found in the amount of about 0.2% in fresh leaves. The green leaves (matu) are spread in thin layers on coarse woollen cloths and dried in the sun; they are then packed in sacks, which must be kept dry in order to preserve the quality of the leaves.

The first and most abundant harvest is in March, after the rains; the second is at the end of June, the third in October or November. They are considered ready for plucking when they break on being bent. The leaves are gathered from plants varying in age from one and a half to upwards of forty years. The plants thrive best in hot, damp situations, such as the clearings of forests; but the leaves most preferred are obtained in drier localities, on the sides of hills.

The seeds are sown in December and January in small plots (almacigas) sheltered from the sun, and the young plants when from 40-60 cm in height are placed in holes (aspi), or, if the ground is level, in furrows (uachos) in carefully weeded soil. Bad specimens have a camphoraceous smell and a brownish colour, and lack the pungent taste. Good samples of the dried leaves are uncurled, are of a deep green on the upper, and a grey-green on the lower surface, and have a strong tea-like odor; when chewed they produce a faint numbness in the mouth, and have a pleasant, pungent taste. Since the 1980s, the cultivation of coca has become controversial because it is used for the manufacture of the drug cocaine, which is illegal in most countries.

Since ancient times, its leaves have been used as a stimulant by the indigenous people of Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, and northern Argentina; it also has religious and symbolic significance. Coca is traditionally cultivated in the lower altitudes of the eastern slopes of the Andes. . The leaves are sometimes eaten by the moth Eloria noyesi.

The flowers mature into red berries. The flowers are small, and disposed in little clusters on short stalks; the corolla is composed of five yellowish-white petals, the anthers are heart-shaped, and the pistil consists of three carpels united to form a three-chambered ovary. A marked characteristic of the leaf is an areolated portion bounded by two longitudinal curved lines once on each side of the midrib, and more conspicuous on the under face of the leaf. The branches are straight, and the leaves, which have a green tint, are thin, opaque, oval, more or less tapering at the extremities.

The plant resembles a blackthorn bush, and grows to a height of 2-3 m. The plant is best-known in modern times for the drug cocaine that is manufactured from it. Under the older Cronquist system of classifying flowering plants, this was placed in an order Linales; more modern systems place it in the order Malpighiales. Coca (Erythroxylum coca), often spelled koka in Quechua and Aymara, is a plant in the family Erythroxylaceae, native to northwestern South America.

Coca tea. Huallaga Valley. Coca-Cola. Coca eradication.