Erythroxylum  (Erythroxylum sechellarum)

This plant, which belongs to the same family of plants as the cocaine-producing Erythroxylum coca, may be considered a shrub or a small tree, depending on where it is growing (2). It has glossy, leathery leaves measuring up to 12 centimetres long (3), and grey-brown fissured bark (2). The small, white flowers, just five millimetres across, grow from the point where the leaves meet the stem. The fruits of Erythroxylum sechellarum are shiny red, oblong in shape, and contain a single seed (3).

Endemic to the Seychelles, where it occurs on the granitic islands of Mahé, Silhouette, Praslin, La Digue, Curieuse and Felicité (3).

Erythroxylum sechellarum is found growing from sea level to high altitudes. It occurs in both exposed areas, where is grows as a shrub, and in shaded forests, where it develops into a tree (2).

Infusions of the leaves of this plant are used medicinally to reduce fevers (2).

The IUCN has classified Erythroxylum sechellarum as Vulnerable due to its restricted distribution on only six islands, which makes it very susceptible to the impacts of any potential threats (1). Fortunately, there are currently no obvious threats to this species and it is considered to be one of the most common plants endemic to the Seychelles (1) (2).

There are currently no specific conservation measures known to be in place for this species.

For further information on the biodiversity of the Seychelles and its conservation see:

• Nature Seychelles:
  www.natureseychelles.org
• Nature Protection Trust of Seychelles:
  http://members.aol.com/jstgerlach

This information is awaiting authentication by a species expert, and will be updated as soon as possible. If you are able to help please contact:
arkive@wildscreen.org.uk