Common Name:

General Information

Erythrina arborescens is a tree with a prickly trunk and branches; it can grow around 6 metres tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. It is grown as a hedge and is also grown as an ornamental[].

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

E. Asia - China (Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Xinjiang Uygur), India, Bhutan, Nepal, Myanmar

Habitat

Open places, generally around villages, at elevations from 1,500 - 3,000 metres[]. Mountain valleys, grassy slopes; at elevations from 400 - 2,100 metres[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Erythrina arborescens is native from the warm temperate to the tropical zones of southern China , being found at elevations up to 3,000 metres in the Himalayas of Nepal. As such, the plant should experience moderate frosts and so should be able to be cultivated in warmer parts of the temperate zone.
Erythrina species are 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[].
The various species of Erythrina can all, as far as is known, be intercrossed to produce fertile hybrids[].
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

A decoction of the bark is taken internally as an anthelmintic[].
The juice of the bark is applied topically to treat boils[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is grown as a hedge[]. It is grown at the edges of cultivated, terraced fields in order to bind the soil and prevent landslides[].
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 wood is soft, light and fairly durable. It is used for various purposes, such as making sieve frames, flooring[].

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[].