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Erythrina abyssinica

Accession Count: 0
Common Name: coral tree
Family Name: Fabaceae
Botanical Name: Erythrina abyssinica
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Characteristics: Erythrina abyssinica is a multi-branching, deciduous tree that develops a rounded, spreading form up to 15m in height (1, 2, 3). The light-brown to gray trunk is thickset, rough, and corky, with spined branches. When young, stems are yellow in color and pubescent, becoming hairless with maturity (1, 2). Additionally, the compound, trifoliate leaves are also densely woolly when young, becoming glabrous over time (1). Leaflets each possess 3 leaves, being broadly ovate or rhomboid, and dark-green in color (1, 2, 3). Flowering occurs from July to November, displaying orange-red racemes on the end of branches, which may turn the entire crown red. The flowers are pubescent and unusual, possessing a cylindrical calyx that separates into long, tube-like tendrils of bright orange-scarlet (1, 2). When fruiting, E. abyssinica will develop cylindrical woody pods, light-brown and densely furry, opening to reveal red seeds (1).
Compound: Ery aby
Geographic Origin: Africa
Ecozone Origin: Afrotropic
Biome Origin:
Natural History: Erythrina abyssinica was named by Jean-Baptiste Antoine Pierre de Monet de Lamarck, a French naturalist. It was included within Encyclopédie Méthodique, Botanique 2, published on October 16th, 1786 (4). The genus, Erythrina, stems from the Greek “erythros”, red, in reference to the red flowers of Erythrina species. The specific epithet, abyssinica, means “from Ethiopia” (1).
The coral tree is widespread throughout eastern and southern tropical Africa, being native to 20 African countries, and introduced to many others – including Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka . E. abyssinica inhabits mid-elevation woodlands and grasslands at elevations between 3,000 – 7,500 feet, but prefers altitudes of 4,101 – 7,874 feet and cannot grow in forests (1, 5).
While the species has been popular in cultivation, it is considerably rare in California. An article published in 1982 noted that there were only 2 individuals of E. abyssinica present in the state, from which all nursery plants descended (5). However, it is unknown if this number has changed since the count was conducted.
Cultivation Notes: The coral tree is hardy to USDA zones 10a – 11 (30-40°F), but an optimal temperature between 59 -77°F should be maintained, and the species must be carefully protected from frost (5, 6). Provide bright, direct light or site in a sunny location, as  E. abyssinica is moderately light-demanding (5). Although drought tolerant, E. abyssinica should be watered when soil is dry, and will benefit from deep irrigation during summer (3). Soil must be well-draining, supplemented with loam or clay, and should have a pH between 3.5-5.4 for the best growth (1). However, the species can tolerate a pH of 3.5-6.5, and prefers a pH of 4-5.5 (5).
To maintain the uniform appearance of crowns, pollarding and coppicing may be necessary, although plants should not be pruned until they are at least one year old. Additionally, only site with shade-tolerant plants, as the thick crown of E. abyssinica will lead to death or wilting of shade-intolerant species. At the same time, coral trees are susceptible to damage by defoliating insects, stem borers, bruchid seed weevils, chrysomelid leaf beetles, and fungal infections, and must be protected if healthy growth is desired (1).
E. abyssinica is self-compatible, and can be propagated through intercrossing as well as outcrossing and softwood cuttings (5, 6). However, seed will only germinate during the rainy season, and overall germination rate for this species is low. Nevertheless, seed remains the main method of propagation, despite efforts to propagate E. abyssinica in vitro (7). Other efforts to increase germination rate include pre-treatment of seed with hot water or concentrated sulfuric acid, scarification, and inoculation with Rhizobium bacteria, with which the species can form a symbiotic relationship (5). However, because of the low germination rate of wild specimens, as well as over-harvesting for medicinal use, tree populations are decreasing and are considered endangered by some researchers. Currently, the conservation status of E. abyssinica is unknown, and future research must be conducted in order to determine the necessity of micropropagation and development of a management plan (7, 8).
Ethnobotany: Erythrina abyssinica has been used extensively within its natural environment in crafting, agriculture, and for medicinal use. Drums, fishing floats, carvings, stools, mortars, beehives, tool handles, and brake blocks have been created from the softwood, as well as firewood – and occasionally house construction (9). The bark can be used to create a brown dye for textiles, while the sap produces red dye (5, 9). Additional uses include the creation of walking sticks from roots, curios and necklaces from seeds, and as a potential toxin, because seeds contain a curare-like toxin that can lead to paralysis or death by respiratory failure if injected into the bloodstream (5).
In agriculture, E. abyssinica is often used in soil conservation programs, as a source of green manure, and as erosion control. Ethiopian farmers plant the species as a living fence around homesteads, and in coffee fields as a source of shade (9). At the same time, the foliage has been used as a supply of protein for cattle, and a source of fodder for rabbits and pigs. Additionally, as the coral tree is capable of forming a symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium species, it is an important source of nitrogen for surrounding plants (7).
Medicinally, the genus Erythrina possesses a wide range of antioxidant, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties, allowing species to treat infections, cough, malaria, inflammation, asthma, bronchitis, and insomnia (7). The bark of Erythrina species has been used to treat ulcers, snakebites, measles, vomiting colic, and numerous other ailments (7, 9). When roasted or powdered, it can be applied to burns, ulcers, and swellings, while bark sap can be anthelmintic (9). Additional medicinal properties are found within pounded flowers, roots, leaves, and fruit extracts, which have been used to treat epilepsy, malaria, asthma, peptic ulcers, and skin diseases in cattle, as well as countless other illnesses (7, 9). Currently, new research into the medicinal properties of E. abyssinica is being conducted, with certain studies examining the potential of root bark in treating tuberculosis (10).
Height: 20 - 50 feet
Width: 0 - 5 feet
Growth Rate: Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season: ForeSummer
Color: Red
Function: Shade
Spread: Spreading
Allergen: Non-allergenic
Invasive: Benign
Toxicity: Toxic
Hardy: Tender
Water Use: Low water Use
Citations:
  1. World Agroforestry. Retrieved November 17th, 2020.
  2. Tree SA. Retrieved November 17th, 2020.
  3. San Marcos Growers. Retrieved November 17th, 2020.
  4. Tropicos. Retrieved November 17th, 2020.
  5. Useful Tropical Plants. Retrieved November 17th, 2020.
  6. Dave’s Garden. Retrieved November 19th, 2020.
  7. American Society for Horticultural Science. Retrieved November 19th, 2020.
  8. Conservation and sustainable use of the medicinal Leguminosae plants from Angola, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved November 19th, 2020.
  9. Plant Use. Retrieved November 19th, 2020.
  10. The efficacy of the crude root bark extracts of Erythrina abyssinica on Rifampicin Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis, U.S. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved November 19th, 2020.
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Erythrina abyssinica