Plant species used during insalivation of “coca” (Erythroxylum coca var. coca, Erythroxylaceae) leaves

Abstract

A study has been carried out in farming communities of the cloud forests in the Upper Bermejo Basin, Province of Salta, Argentina to document the use of plants involved in the manufacture of “yista”.
“Yista” is the name given to alkaline substances used during insalivation of “coca” (Erythroxylum coca Lam. var. coca) leaves. To obtain “yista”, selected plants have to be burned. Twenty-seven native species and five exotic plant species were recorded as present or past sources of “yista”. The scientific and common names, plant part employed as well as the communities where their use has been recorded are presented. The method employed to prepare “yista” is described and illustrated.