Rufous False Cocaine

Erythroxylum rufum

Native to:
Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, French Guiana, Guyana, Haiti, Puerto Rico, Venezuela

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Erythroxylaceae
Genus:
Erythroxylum
Species:
Erythroxylum rufum
USDA Symbol:
ERRU4

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Shrub , Tree
Height:
1200 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
Medium
Bloom Months:
apr,may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white, cream
Landscaping Shrub:
Yes

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
consistently moist
Notes:
prefers organic matter-rich environments

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
30–60 days
Notes:
Seeds benefit from cold stratification for 60-90 days to break dormancy.