Overview of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC.
Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. is a perennial, deciduous tree that is native to East Africa. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, which is one of the largest plant families with more than 19,000 species. The tree has various common names including red hot poker tree, fireball tree, and coral tree due to its striking red flowers that resemble hot pokers or fireballs.
General Appearance
Erythrina abyssinica can grow up to 30 meters tall with a trunk diameter of 1.2 meters. Its bark is smooth and grey while its leaves are trifoliate and alternate. The leaves are green when mature, but they turn yellow and drop off during the dry season, leaving the branches bare. The tree blooms during the dry season from June to December, producing spectacular scarlet red flowers that are arranged in dense clusters, measuring up to 15 cm long.
Uses
Erythrina abyssinica is often used for environmental conservation purposes due to its ability to enrich soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. It is also used as a shade tree for coffee and tea plantations. In East Africa, the bark, leaves, and roots of the tree are used for medicinal purposes. The bark is used to treat syphilis, snakebites, and diarrhea while the roots are used to treat bronchitis and pneumonia. The leaves are used to treat skin diseases, coughs, and fever. Additionally, the tree is used as a source of timber for carpentry, furniture, and firewood.
Growth conditions for Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC.
Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC., commonly known as the red hot poker tree, is a tropical plant that grows up to 15 meters tall. It belongs to the Fabaceae family, and its native range includes Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania. The plant is known for its attractive red and yellow flowers and its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil through its root nodules. To ensure optimal growth and health, the plant requires specific growth conditions for light, temperature, and soil.
Light requirements
Erythrina abyssinica requires full sun exposure to thrive. The plant needs at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and flowering. It is therefore essential to plant it in a location that receives adequate sunshine throughout the day. Limited exposure to sunlight can cause the plant to grow weak and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature requirements
The red hot poker tree is a tropical plant that thrives in warm temperatures. The plant requires a minimum temperature of 21°C (70 °F) to grow, and temperatures between 24°C to 27°C (75°F to 81°F) are ideal. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 15°C (59°F) can cause leaf drop and stunted growth. Frost can also be detrimental to the plant's health and can damage its flowers and leaves.
Soil requirements
Erythrina abyssinica grows best in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, the soil must be fertile and have a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 for optimal growth. It is also essential to ensure that the soil stays moist but not waterlogged, as excessive water can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Overall, providing the red hot poker tree with adequate sunlight, warm temperatures, and properly drained fertile soil can ensure healthy growth and blooming of its attractive flowers.
Cultivation Methods
Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. is a tree that prefers to grow in tropical and subtropical regions. It thrives in full sunlight and prefers a well-drained sandy loam soil for optimal growth. It is best to grow this plant from seeds, which should be sowed in a pot or directly in the ground at the beginning of the rainy season. The seeds should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. When planting multiple seeds, be sure to leave enough space between each seed to allow the tree to grow.
Watering Needs
Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. requires moderate watering. Ensure that the plant receives about 2 inches of water per week. However, this may vary depending on the climate and soil type. During the dry season, it is best to water the plant regularly to prevent the roots from drying out. Water the plant in the early morning or late evening when the sun is not too hot. Avoid watering the leaves as this can increase the chances of fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Regular fertilization is necessary to promote the growth and health of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. Use an organic fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the tree, ensuring that it gets absorbed by the roots. Fertilize the plant once every three months during the growing season.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to keep Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. healthy and attractive. The best time to prune the tree is during the dry season, when the tree is dormant. Prune any dead, diseased, or damaged branches from the tree. Also, prune suckers that are growing from the base of the tree, as they can divert nutrients from the main trunk. Trim the branches that are growing too close to the ground to promote a clear stem. Proper trimming and pruning will also help to control the size and shape of the tree.
Propagation of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC.
Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual means.
Sexual Propagation
Seeds can be sown in nursery beds or directly in the field. Before sowing the seeds, they should be scarified to break the hard seed coat, to allow water and air to penetrate. Scarification can be done mechanically or by soaking the seeds in hot water for up to 24 hours. Germination of seeds can be slow and can take up to 10 weeks. To speed up germination, pre-germination treatments like soaking in water, smoke or chemical treatment of seeds can be done.
Asexual Propagation
Asexual propagation of Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC. can be done using a range of techniques. These include:
- Cuttings: Stem cuttings of about 20 -30 cm with green wood should be taken during the rainy season. Remove the leaves from the basal end and dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder before planting. Cuttings should be planted in sand or vermiculite in a nursery bed and watered regularly.
- Air layering: Air layering is done by removing a ring of bark from a branch, applying rooting hormone then covering the area with a soil mixture comprised of sand, compost and soil. Moss is then tied around the soil and kept moist. Roots will form in about 6-8 weeks.
- Grafting: Grafting is used for propagation of selected varieties. Graft the desired scion on to the rootstock of the same species using a slanting cut. The grafted plants should be kept in a shade for two weeks and then moved to full sun as the new leaves appear.
After propagation, the seedlings should be watered regularly and protected from pests and diseases. Transplant the seedlings to their permanent site after a year.
Disease and Pest Management for Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC.
Erythrina abyssinica Lam. ex DC., commonly known as red hot poker tree, is a beautiful ornamental plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Despite its beauty, this plant is susceptible to several diseases and pests that can hinder its growth and eventually cause its death. Therefore, it is essential to know the common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and how to manage them effectively.
Common Diseases
Leaf Spot: Leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects the leaves of the Erythrina abyssinica plant. The symptoms of this disease include small, circular spots on the leaves that gradually enlarge and turn brown or black. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove and destroy the affected leaves and ensure that the plant is not overwatered.
Root Rot: Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant, causing them to become weak and mushy. The symptoms of root rot include wilting of the plant, yellowing of the leaves, and stunted growth. To manage this disease, it is crucial to ensure that the soil is well-drained, and the plant is not overwatered.
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The symptoms of powdery mildew include a powdery white or gray substance on the affected parts of the plant. To manage this disease, it is advisable to remove and destroy the affected parts of the plant, ensure proper ventilation, and avoid overfertilization.
Common Pests
Aphids: Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. The symptoms of aphids include curling of the leaves, sticky residue on the plant, and stunted growth. To manage aphids, it is advisable to spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap, or insecticidal soap.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that are difficult to spot with the naked eye. The symptoms of spider mites include yellowing of the leaves, webbing on the plant, and stunted growth. To manage spider mites, it is advisable to spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or insecticidal soap.
Thrips: Thrips are tiny, slender insects that feed on the cells of the plant, leaving behind scars and deformations. The symptoms of thrips include silver scarring on the leaves, curling of the leaves, and stunted growth. To manage thrips, it is advisable to spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
By being vigilant and implementing the necessary control measures, it is possible to manage the diseases and pests that might affect Erythrina abyssinica effectively. This will ensure that the plant stays healthy and thrives in environments where it is grown.
