Common Name: Tambookie Thorn

General Information

Erythrina acanthocarpa is a thorny, much-branched, deciduous shrub growing up to 2 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. A very attractive shrub when in flower, it makes an excellent garden specimen[].

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

S. Africa - Eastern Cape province.

Habitat

Forming low thickets in open areas[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Pollinators	Birds, Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Erythrina acanthocarpa is native to the subtropical climate of South Africa where it experiences at least moderate frosts. It should succeed outdoors in mild winter areas of the temperate zone that experience hot summer temperatures and low rainfall[]. Plants can tolerate occasional lows to about -5°c[], especially if they are kept relatively dry[]. The stem bases should be thickly mulched with organic matter such as leaf litter or sawdust and covered with bracken[]. The top growth will be killed by the frost but new growth from the rootstock will flower in late summer[].
Requires a moderately fertile well-drained soil in a very sunny position[]. Best if given the protection of an east, south or south-west facing wall[].
The plant produces a large underground rootstock[]. Care should be taken not to plant it alongside paving as this rootstock may cause the paving to lift[].
Plants take 3 - 4 years to flower from seed[].
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 is narcotic and purgative[].

Other Uses

The plant has a greatly enlarged undergound rootstock[]. There are reports dating from the 1860's that this succulent underground 'root' is extremely light when dry, and in this state was sometimes made into light summer hats, hence one of its common names 'pith helmets'[].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[]. Overwinter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of this species are difficult to strike[].
Heeled cuttings of young growth in the spring in a frame[]. Overwinter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer. Cuttings of this species are difficult to strike[].