Erythrina subumbrans
Erythrina subumbrans
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 subumbrans is a deciduous tree with a spreading crown and branches armed with stout prickles; it can grow 5 - 35 metres tall. The straight bole can reach 60cm in diameter[ 303 Title World Agroforesty Centre Publication Author Website http://www.worldagroforestry.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc. , 443 Title Biotik, Laos Publication Author Website http://biotik.org/species_list_laos.html Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Information on more than 100 species of Laotian trees. ]. At one time this species was one of the most widely planted shade trees for coffee and other crops in Indonesia, until large numbers of trees were destroyed by a root disease in the late 19th Century[ 303 Title World Agroforesty Centre Publication Author Website http://www.worldagroforestry.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc. , 310 Title Plant Resources of Southeast Asia Publication Author Website http://proseanet.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia. ]. It is still planted on a smaller scale in Indonesia for shade in cocoa, coffee and tea plantations, and on a larger scale in other tropical countries[ 303 Title World Agroforesty Centre Publication Author Website http://www.worldagroforestry.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc. , 310 Title Plant Resources of Southeast Asia Publication Author Website http://proseanet.org/ Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Lots of information on the uses of the plants of SE Asia. ]. The tree is also grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its floral display[ 443 Title Biotik, Laos Publication Author Website http://biotik.org/species_list_laos.html Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Information on more than 100 species of Laotian trees. ], and as a pioneer species in reforestation projects in Thailand.