If the taxon Erythrina sandwicensis O.Deg., is valid, then the entries below for any plant uses in Hawaii should be transferred to that species[].

Common Name: Hawaiian Coral Tree

General Information

Erythrina tahitensis is a small, somewhat spiny, deciduous tree growing around 5 - 15 metres tall with a short, stout, crooked or gnarled bole 30 - 90 cm in diameter. The spreading branches are stiff, and the broad thin crown is wider than it is high[, ].
The plant is used locally to supply medicines, a fibre and a useful wood. It is also used in agroforestry as a living fence and to revegetate highly eroded areas. The plant flowers when leafless, and is very showy at this time[].
The plant is classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

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, French Polynesia.

Habitat

Dry forests in Hawaii, from sea level to an elevation of 600 metres[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in a moderately fertile, well-drained soil[]. It survives extended drought and high winds, but growth is slow under such harsh conditions[].
Plants commence flowering when 3 - 4 years old[].
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 plant contains alkaloids that have powerful narcotic and purgative effects[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is being used in revegetation programs, using endemic species to rehabilitate highly eroded areas in Hawaii[].
It has been planted as living fences[].
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

A fibre is obtained from the bark and is used for making nets[].

The bright red seeds are used for making leis[].

The wood is reported to be the lightest of Hawaiian wood. It was used for surfboards, canoe outriggers, and fish net floats[, ].
The dry wood is used in the manufacture of composition cork[].

Propagation

Fresh seeds, and those harvested within 3 - 6 months of maturity, can be sown without any special treatment. Germination rates are generally high and are often 100%. Seeds over 6 months old may take between 12 - 18 months to germinate due to their hard seed coat which becomes tougher with age. Soaking them in hot water, or abrading their seedcoat, can reduce this time considerably. They may be added to water which has just fallen below boiling point and left in the water as it cools for a minimum of one hour, but up to 12 hours for seed 3 years or more old, and then sown in the usual way. Alternatively, file the seeds with a slender triangular file. A groove can be made through the sides of the seed coat with care so as to avoid damaging the cotyledons or embryo, which usually results in the death of the seeds from fungal attack or in malformed and weakened seedlings[].
Seeds of most species produce strong seedlings from healthy seeds in almost any well-drained soil, with a minimum of trouble from damping-off disease[].
Cuttings of half-ripe wood[].
Heeled cuttings of young growth[].

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