Drought and Disease Resistant

Lack of rainfall and disease are major concerns for plants; however, unlike most plants, the Coca plant is resistant to each risk.

"The drought and disease-resistant coca plant is found on the eastern slopes of the Andes primarily in Peru, Bolivia and Colombia. It has been cultivated and consumed by the indigenous peoples of South America's highland communities for thousands of years.

In its native habitat, the coca plant is resistant to drought and disease. Coca is a small shrublike tree that doesn't need irrigation. Its leaves are green, oval and tough. Its flowers are small and greenish white. A red fruit is produced with a single seed.

Highly resistant plants decrease limitations in their production. These advantages aid farmers who can not afford chemicals and other methods to protect plants. It lowers the cost of harvesting and protection of the plant."

Source:

http://www.southernexplorations.com/peru-articleCocaSociety.htm
http://www.cocaine.org/potplant.htm - (edit / improve)