Erythrina flabelliformis
Erythrina flabelliformis
Safety & 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[ 1309 Title The Leguminosae; A Source Book of Characteristics, Uses and Nodulation Publication Author Allen O.N.; Allen E.K. Publisher University of Wisconsin Year 1981 ISBN 0-333-32221-5 Description An amazing and comprehensive work, giving a brief guide to the many genera of the family Fabaceae and also the principle uses of the genus. , K Title Plants for a Future Author Ken Fern Description Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips. ].
Botanical Description
Erythrina flabelliformis is a spiny, deciduous shrub or a small tree with an open crown; it usually grows from 1.5 - 5 metres tall, but can reach 7 metres. The short bole can be 25cm in diameter[ 385 Title Bihrmann's Caudiciforms Publication Author Website http://www.bihrmann.com/caudiciforms/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An internet site giving information on caudiciform plants (plants with swollen stem bases such as the Baobab tree, cycads and many succulents). Excellent photos, usually of cultivated plants in pots. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for localuse as a medicine and source of seeds that are used as beads. The seeds are sold in local markets in Mexico for use in making necklaces[ 520 Title Botanical Beads Publication Author Smith R.J. Website http://www.botanicalbeads.com/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A website looking at seeds that are used for ornament. It is based on a book that the author had written. ].