Erythrina stricta
Erythrina stricta
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 stricta is an evergreen tree with a rather open crown; it can grow from 7 - 35 metres tall. The bole is straight with a soft, thick bark. Younger trees have sharp thorns on thick, woody bases[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. , 730 Title A Field Guide to Forest Trees of Northern Thailand Publication Author Gardener S.; Sidisunthorn P.; Anusarnsunthorn V. Publisher Kobfai Publishing Project; Bangkok. Year 2000 ISBN 974-7799-01-4 Description An excellent, concise guide to 430 species, plus notes on another 450 species. Excellent photographs and a separate section on distribution and plant uses. ]. The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine. It is cultivated in India as a hedge plant and as supports for peppers and vines, and is used as a pioneer species in reforestation projects in Thailand[ 998 Title Forest Restoration Planting in Northern Thailand Publication Proceedings of the Southeast Asian Moving Workshop on Conservation, Management and Utilization of Forest Genetic Resources No. 31/2002 Author Pakkad G.; Elliott S.; Anusarnsunthorn V. Et al Website http://www.fao.org/ Publisher Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations; Bangkok Year 2002 ISBN Description A report on reforestation in northern Thailand by using specific pioneer species. It can be downloaded from the Internet. ]. The tree has religious significance in India[ 730 Title A Field Guide to Forest Trees of Northern Thailand Publication Author Gardener S.; Sidisunthorn P.; Anusarnsunthorn V. Publisher Kobfai Publishing Project; Bangkok. Year 2000 ISBN 974-7799-01-4 Description An excellent, concise guide to 430 species, plus notes on another 450 species. Excellent photographs and a separate section on distribution and plant uses. ].