Overview of Erythrina altissima A.Chev.
Erythrina altissima A.Chev., also known as the Brazilian coral tree or pau mulato, is a deciduous tree species found in the tropical regions of Brazil and other parts of South America. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is one of the largest of the erythrina species, with a height that can reach over 30 meters.
General Appearance of Erythrina altissima A.Chev.
The Erythrina altissima A.Chev. tree has a broad open crown of branches and lenticular, light brown bark. The leaves are large and trifoliate, with each leaflet reaching up to 25 cm in length and 15 cm in width. The leaflets are pointed and have a slightly serrated edge. The flowers of this tree are striking, with deep-red petals and long green sepals. They are arranged in majestic clusters, with each cluster containing up to 30 flowers. The fruits of this tree are elongated, flat and up to 30 cm in length, including the pod. The seeds inside the pod are shiny, brown or black, and are covered by a thin and papery layer.
Common Names of Erythrina altissima A.Chev.
The Erythrina altissima A.Chev. tree is commonly known by many names, including the Brazilian Coral Tree, Pau-rosado, Mulatto Wood, and Crybaby Tree. The Brazilian name for the tree, Mulato Wood, derives from the dense, reddish-brown timber produced by the tree, which is used in carpentry and construction work.
Uses of Erythrina altissima A.Chev.
The Erythrina altissima A.Chev. tree has various uses across its range. Its leaves are used extensively in traditional medicine as a sedative and antispasmodic drug. The seeds of the tree are used in jewelry, and the large and colorful flowers of the tree are a source of nectar for birds and insects.
The dense timber produced by the Erythrina altissima A.Chev. tree is popular with carpenters and artisans, who use it to produce a range of decorative and functional objects. The wood is also favored by musical instrument makers, as it produces a warm, mellow tone, and is used to make various stringed instruments, such as guitars, as well as percussion instruments.
In conclusion, the Erythrina altissima A.Chev. tree is an iconic and striking tree that has numerous uses across its range, whether for medicinal, agricultural, or artistic purposes. Its colorful flowers, large leaves, and reddish-brown timber make it an essential and valuable tree species for communities throughout South America.
Light Requirements
Erythrina altissima A.Chev. is a plant that requires plenty of sunlight to thrive. It grows best under full sun or partial shade, and it prefers direct sunlight for at least 6 hours each day. Inadequate sunlight exposure may lead to stunted growth or the plant even withering.
Temperature Requirements
Being a tropical and subtropical species, Erythrina altissima A.Chev. thrives well within a temperature range of 20? - 30? (68? - 86?). The plant is highly sensitive to frost, and freezing temperatures may result in the death of the plant. Therefore, it is best suited for regions with a warm and humid tropical climate.
Soil Requirements
Erythrina altissima A.Chev. prefers soil that is rich in organic matter and well-draining. A pH range of 6.5 - 7.5 is considered suitable for its growth. The plant can grow in a variety of soil textures, but loamy and sandy soils are the best. Water-logged or heavy clay soils should be avoided as they may lead to root rot or adversely affect the plant's growth.
Cultivation Methods for Erythrina altissima A.Chev.
Erythrina altissima A.Chev., also known as Brazil flower or mulungu, is a deciduous tree native to South America. It can grow up to 15 meters tall and is commonly cultivated for its ornamental value.
The plant prefers full sun or partial shade and can grow in a range of soil types, including sandy or clay soils. It is a fast-growing tree that requires well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0.
Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. Seeds can be soaked in water for a few hours before planting, and cuttings can be taken during the dormant season. Transplanting should be done during the rainy season to ensure successful growth.
Watering Needs for Erythrina altissima A.Chev.
Erythrina altissima A.Chev. requires regular watering to encourage healthy growth. The plant should be watered deeply once a week during the growing season and less frequently during the dormant season.
It is important to avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot and other related diseases. To ensure proper drainage, the soil should be well-aerated, and mulch can be added to help retain moisture.
Fertilization for Erythrina altissima A.Chev.
Fertilization is essential for maintaining healthy growth and encouraging flowering in Erythrina altissima A.Chev. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied once a month during the growing season.
Organic fertilizers such as compost or worm castings can also be used to provide necessary nutrients to the soil. It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to salt buildup in the soil and damage the plant.
Pruning Erythrina altissima A.Chev.
Pruning is essential for maintaining the shape of the tree and promoting healthy growth. Dead or damaged branches can be pruned anytime, and shaping can be done during the dormant season.
To promote flowering, pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth. It is important to use sharp pruning shears to avoid damaging the bark, and to clean the blades after each use to prevent the spread of disease.
Propagation of Erythrina Altissima A.Chev.
Erythrina altissima A.Chev. can be propagated through both sexual and asexual methods. However, asexual methods are generally more reliable and commonly used. Some of the propagation methods for this plant are:
Propagation by stem cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is the most common method used for the propagation of Erythrina altissima A.Chev. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free parent plants during the dormant season. The cuttings should be 15-20 cm long and should have at least two nodes. The basal end of the cutting should be treated with rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cuttings should be watered regularly and kept in a warm, humid place with bright, indirect light until they develop roots.
Propagation by grafting
Grafting is another asexual propagation method that can be used for Erythrina altissima A.Chev. This method involves joining a stem cutting (scion) of the desired plant onto the stem of a compatible rootstock. Grafting is typically used for plants that are difficult to root or have weak root systems. The graft union should be wrapped with grafting tape to protect it while it heals. The newly grafted plant should be kept in a warm, humid place until the graft has taken and the plant has started to grow.
Propagation by seed
Erythrina altissima A.Chev. can also be propagated through sexual methods, using seeds. Seeds should be collected from mature pods and planted in well-draining soil. The pots should be kept in a warm, humid place with bright, indirect light. After germination, the seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots and kept in a warm, humid place with bright, indirect light until they are strong enough to be planted in their permanent location.
Disease and Pest Management for Erythrina altissima A.Chev.
Erythrina altissima A.Chev. is a tree species that belongs to the Fabaceae family. Also known as the tall coral tree or the American erythrina, this tree originates from South America but has since been introduced to other parts of the world, such as Africa and Asia, due to its ornamental and medicinal values. Proper disease and pest management practices are crucial to the tree's survival and growth.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect the Erythrina altissima A.Chev. is anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Symptoms of anthracnose include dark spots with yellow margins on leaves, which eventually turn into large necrotic areas. The disease spreads rapidly, causing premature leaf drop, branch dieback, and even the death of the tree. To manage anthracnose, it is essential to clean up fallen leaves and prune affected branches. Use of fungicides is also helpful in controlling the disease.
Another disease that affects the Erythrina altissima A.Chev. is powdery mildew, caused by Erysiphe cruciferarum. Powdery mildew is characterized by a white powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers, giving them a grayish appearance. To manage powdery mildew, improve air circulation around the plant, avoid watering from overhead, and remove diseased parts of the plant. Fungicides can also be useful in controlling the disease.
Common Pests
Erythrina altissima A.Chev. is also susceptible to attacks by various pests such as caterpillars, mealybugs, and scale insects. Caterpillars are voracious feeders that can cause complete defoliation of the tree. Handpicking the caterpillars and use of insecticides, such as Bacillus thuringiensis, can help manage them.
Mealybugs and scale insects are sap-sucking pests that attach themselves to leaves and stems of the tree. They secrete a sticky, sugary substance known as honeydew that attracts ants and promotes the growth of sooty mold. To control these pests, prune affected branches, and use insecticides such as neem oil, insecticidal soap, or systemic pesticides.
Conclusion
Early detection and management of diseases and pests are crucial for the survival and growth of Erythrina altissima A.Chev. Proper cultural practices such as maintaining good hygiene, regular pruning, and adequate irrigation can significantly reduce the incidence of diseases and pests. When using chemical control measures, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and safety precautions.
