COCA 



353 



green, distinctly undulate, with numerous minute papillae, frequently 

 with a parallel line about 4 mm. from the midrib on either side and 

 extending from the base to the summit; petiole dark brown, 1 to 6 

 mm. in length; texture somewhat coriaceous; odor distinct; with 

 a bitter taste, and producing a sensation of numbness. 



FIG. 154. Flowering branch of Erythroxylon Coca, showing the parallel lines 

 on either side of the midrib, which are not true veins, but due to an extra 

 development of hypodermal cells in this region. After Reiche. 



Inner Structure. See Fig. 155. 



Peruvian Coca. Leaves usually more broken, 3 to 5.5 cm. in 

 length, 1.5 to 2 cm. in breadth; upper surface light green, ridge in 

 the midrib faint or wanting; under surface light yellowish-green, 

 the curved line on either side of the midrib usually wanting; more 

 or less fragile; sensation of numbness on tasting the drug not so 

 pronounced. 



