Common Name: Dwarf Kaffirboom

General Information

Erythrina humeana is a prickly, perennial plant with stems that become more or less woody and persist. It usually grows around 120 - 150cm tall, but sometimes becomes more tree-like and grows up to 4 metres tall[, ].
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is grown as an ornamental in gardens, valued especially for its small size and floral display[].

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

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Range

Southern Africa - southern Mozambique, eastern S. Africa.

Habitat

Open grassland with scattered shrubs at elevations up to 100 metres[].

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Erythrina humeana is native to the subtropical and tropical regions of southern east Africa, growing in sub-arid climates. Plants experience at least moderate frosts in their native range, but dislike high levels of rainfall[]. The plant can resprout from its large, tuberous rootstock if cut back by frosts, and so can be grown in mild winter climates in drier parts of the warm temperate zone. 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 should be produced from the rootstock in spring and this will flower in late summer[].
Requires a moderately fertile well-drained soil in a very sunny position[]. Succeeds in dry soils[]. Best if planted in a sunny position and given of wall behind it[]. Plants are very drought tolerant[].
Plants are not very hardy outdoors in Britain though they experience at least moderate frosts in their native range and would be worthwhile trying outdoors in the very mildest areas of this country[].
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

None known

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.
Heeled cuttings of young growth in the spring in a frame[]. Overwinter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer.