Erythrina senegalensis
Erythrina senegalensis
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 senegalensis is a spiny shrub or tree with an open crown; it usually grows around 3 - 4.5 metres tall, but sometimes reaches up to 12 - 15 metres. The bole has a thick, corky, dark grey bark armed with stout prickles slightly recurved from a woody base[ 328 Title African Flowering Plants Database Publication Author Website http://www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/africa/recherche.php Publisher Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques. Year 0 ISBN Description Contains information on over 150,000 plant names (including synonyms) giving a description and habitat, plus a distribution map. , 484 Title West African Forests and Forestry Publication Author Unwin A.H. Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher T. Fisher Unwin Ltd.; London Year 1920 ISBN Description Quite extensive information on some of the trees of West Africa. The book can be downloaded from the Internet , 774 Title Trees and Shrubs of the Sahel. Their Characteristics and Uses. Publication Author von Maydell H. Publisher Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit; Germany Year 1990 ISBN 3-8236-1198-4 Description A well-researched book, usually with more than one photograph of each species and good information on the plant and its uses. ]. The tree is harvested from the wild for its various local medicinal uses. It is often grown as a hedge in Africa and sometimes also for its medicinal virtues[ 317 Title Mansfeld's Database of Agricultural and Horticultural Plants Publication Author Website http://mansfeld.ipk-gatersleben.de/pls/htmldb_pgrc/f?p=185:3:4292127278597336 Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Terse details of a huge range of useful plants. ].. It usually flowers when leafless, producing large, red, conspicuous, ornamental flowers[ 328 Title African Flowering Plants Database Publication Author Website http://www.ville-ge.ch/musinfo/bd/cjb/africa/recherche.php Publisher Conservatoire et Jardin Botaniques. Year 0 ISBN Description Contains information on over 150,000 plant names (including synonyms) giving a description and habitat, plus a distribution map. , 484 Title West African Forests and Forestry Publication Author Unwin A.H. Website http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org Publisher T. Fisher Unwin Ltd.; London Year 1920 ISBN Description Quite extensive information on some of the trees of West Africa. The book can be downloaded from the Internet ]. Erythrina senegalensis has a wide distribution range. It is harvested for use in traditional medicine, but at present that does not seem to affect the population dynamics of the species. There are no other major known threats for the species and the population is currently believed to be stable. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[ 338 Title IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Publication Author Website http://www.iucnredlist.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat. ].