Habitat of coca plant

Erythroxylum coca grows on the moist, warm slopes of the

eastern Andes at an altitude of 1,000 to 2,500 meters (3,280
to 8,200 ft). The temperature can vary between 0° to 45° Cel-
sius ( 32° to 113° Fahrenheit), but predominantly stays in the
optimum range of 15° to 30° C (59° to 86° F). Temperatures
under 0° C are deadly for coca plants; however, older plants
can withstand a minor amount of frost for a few hours.

Plants at higher altitudes often contain more alkaloids than

those at lower altitudes. This is not related to differences in
air pressure, as is often assumed, but to a better climate in
general; perpetuating this misconception is the frequent con-
fusión of the less potent lowland Erythroxylum Ipadua with
Erythroxylum coca. Plants growing at sea level, under the
right conditions, can contain as many alkaloids as those at
higher altitudes.

Some plants receive abundant rain year-round, while others

get only four months of rain; deep rooting allows the plants to
survive eight months of drought. The coca plant loves water
but hates to stand in soaked soil. She grows well on steep
mountain slopes where water runs off easily. Though very
adaptable to different climates, the coca plant will grow best
in a more stable environment with similar day and night tem-
peratures.

The ideal climate for a coca plant:

Temperature: 15° to 30° C (59° to 86° F)
Humidity: 30% to 70%

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