Erythrina tahitensis
Erythrina tahitensis
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 tahitensis is a small, somewhat spiny, deciduous tree growing around 5 - 15 metres tall with a short, stout, crooked or gnarled bole 30 - 90 cm in diameter. The spreading branches are stiff, and the broad thin crown is wider than it is high[ 350 Title National Tropical Botanical Garden Publication Author Website http://ntbg.org/plants/choose_a_plant.php Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description General information on almost 400 species, with descriptions, habitats and some uses. , 399 Title Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database Publication Author Website http://pdcs.ctahr.hawaii.edu:591/hawnprop/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Detailed information on the propagation of a wide range of Hawaiian plants. ]. The plant is used locally to supply medicines, a fibre and a useful wood. It is also used in agroforestry as a living fence and to revegetate highly eroded areas. The plant flowers when leafless, and is very showy at this time[ 399 Title Hawaiian Native Plant Propagation Database Publication Author Website http://pdcs.ctahr.hawaii.edu:591/hawnprop/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Detailed information on the propagation of a wide range of Hawaiian plants. ]. The plant is classified as 'Critically Endangered' 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. ].