Erythrina brucei
Erythrina brucei
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 brucei is a prickly tree with a spreading crown; it can grow 15 - 20 metres tall[ 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. , 1449 Title Potential of Erythrina brucei, Erythrina abyssinica and Ensete ventricosum as Organic Sources of N P K on Small Hold Publication Author Wassie Haile & Abebe Abay Publisher United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Afr Year 2013 ISBN 978-9988-633-73-8 Description ]. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is grown as a living fence and as a supplier of organic matter in perennial cropping systems, helping to protect and stabilize soils whilst increasing the yields of interplanted crops.