Common Name:

General Information

Erythrina latissima is a spiny, deciduous tree with a spreading, rounded crown; it usually grows 3 - 8 metres tall, occasionally reaching 10 metres. The stems and branches are armed with scattered large conical spines up to 1cm long[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It is grown as a living fence and barrier.

Known Hazards

All Erythrina species contain greater or lesser amounts of toxic alkaloids - these can be found in all parts of the plant but are usually most concentrated in the seeds. Concentrations vary from species to species, in some it is low enough that the plant is safely used as a food. In many, the alkaloids are utilized for their medicinal effects. We have no specific information on the concentration of the alkaloids in this species, but care should be exercised in any use of the plant that involves ingestion. These alkaloids have a curare-like action (obtained from Strychnos species) and can cause paralysis and even death by respiratory failure[, ].

Botanical References

Range

Southern Africa - Mozambique, , Botswana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland, S. Africa

Habitat

Scattered trees in deciduous, woodland and wooded grassland; usually on granite and other rock outcrops; at elevations from 1,000 - 1,700 metres[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	6.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Birds, Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Erythrina latissima is not very cold-tolerant - it will withstand light frosts but will grow faster in frost-free areas[].
Erythrina species are generally tolerant of a range of soils, often tolerating poor fertility, but generally grow best in a sunny position in a moderately fertile, well-drained soil[].
A fairly slow growing tree, taking 20 to 30 years to form a reasonable canopy and then living for more than a hundred years. Older trees however, do have a tendency to fall over[].
In large gardens, a single plant or a small group creates a spectacular accent point which is of interest throughout the year. Take care not to plant the trees near buildings or paving as the root system is very invasive and will create problems[].
Similar to some forms of Erythrina abyssinica but distinguished by its larger flowers, larger seeds and more prickly leaves[].
All species in this genus are believed to be self-compatible. Their flowers are adapted to pollination by birds, though various insects can also cause fertilization. The various species of Erythrina can all, as far as is known, be intercrossed to produce fertile hybrids. Those species most closely related to each other cross fairly readily, but even species that are quite distant can hybridize[, ].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The bark is burned and then pounded into a powder which is used to dress wounds[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Truncheons of the larger erythrinas are used as fence poles which in time take root, creating a living fence[].
Most Erythrina species are very easy to grow from cuttings, with even quite large branches striking well. In addition, they generally fix atmospheric nitrogen, have nutrient-rich leaves that make an excellent soil-enriching mulch, often have open crowns that do not overly restrict light, and are also often quite thorny and can provide impenetrable barriers to protect from unwelcome intrusions. Many species are therefore used as living fences to provide boundaries and livestock-proof hedges[, ].

Other Uses

The orange-red seeds, commonly known as lucky beans, are threaded on to string to make decorative necklaces, which some believe will ward off evil spirits[].

We have no specific information on this species, but the wood of Erythrina species is generally greyish-white in colour, light in weight but strong, with a spongy texture and not very durable. The wood from the various species is used for purposes such as sieve frames, surfboards, dugout canoes, outrigger canoe floats, boxes and small art carvings[].

Propagation

Seed - It is best to soak the seed in hot water overnight to soften the hard seed coat in preparation for sowing. The soaked seeds are then placed in seed trays containing sharp river sand or composted bark. Cover the seed with a layer of whatever medium is used, and water. Germination should begin in 5-8 weeks. When the seedlings have made a swollen base, they can be transplanted into pots or plastic bags. Under ideal conditions, once established, the young plants should put on between 200-600 mm growth per year[]
Erythrina latissima is easily grown from large truncheons or seed. Truncheons are made from branches which are more than two years old and should not be thinner than 100 mm. It seems that the bigger the truncheon, the easier it roots. The trimmed branches are left to dry for 2 or 3 days before planting them in the ground. A layer of river sand in the base of the hole will enhance rooting. The truncheons must not be over-watered and should root in 2-3 months[].

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