It is quite possible that this taxon is no more than a synonym of Erythrina tahitensis Nadak. - some authorities seem to accept this name as distinct whilst others place it in synonymy[].

Common Name:

General Information

Erythrina sandwicensis is a deciduous tree with a spreading, light crown that is wider than it is high; it can grow from 5 - 15 metres tall. The short bole is stout, crooked or gnarled; it can be very spiny and 30 - 90cm in diameter[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of wood and dyestuff. It is sometimes used to form barriers and is planted in reforestation projects on badly eroded soils in Hawaii.

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

Pacific - Hawaii.

Habitat

Lowland areas on the leeward side of the Islands, thriving in the hot, dry foothills and lowland dry forest; at elevatuions up to 610 metres[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	10.00 m
Pollinators	Birds, Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of lowland areas in Hawaii, where it id found below 610 metres in areas where the mean annual rainfall is in the range 500 - 1,250mm[].
Grows best in an open, sunny position[]. Prefers well-drained soils[]. Survives extended drought and high winds, though can become wind-shaped in high exposure[, ].
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 flowers are used in the treatment of venereal diseases[].

The pounded bark is used in the treatment of various genital diseases[]. The bark is a medicine to be beaten with water and regularly drunk[].

Agroforestry Uses:

With its ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, and its toleration of strong winds and drought, the tree is often used in revegetation programs of highly eroded areas in Hawaii[, ].
It has been frequently planted as a live fence on account of readiness with which it takes root when planted in the ground[].
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 tree (bark?) is a source of tannins. It is burned to make charcoal which can then be used as a colour pigment to blend with other ingredients in making paint[].

The bright red seeds have been used for making leis[].

The wood is light in weight[, ]. It was used by ancient Hawaiians for fishing net buoys, surfboards and outriggers on canoes. More recently, the wood has been carved into imitation whale-tooth necklaces[].

Propagation

Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have been dried for storage the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[].
Species in this genus are generally easy to grow from cuttings. Many will strike well even from large cuttings placed in the open ground so long as they are kept moist but not too wet[].

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