Plant Description
Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Fabaceae. It is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 meters tall. The tree has a straight trunk with a diameter ranging from 50 to 80 cm.
The tree has rough, fissured, and grayish-brown bark, which is dotted with small lenticels. The leaves are arranged alternately on the branches, and they are trifoliate, meaning there are three leaflets per leaf. The leaflets are ovate or elliptic-oblong, measuring 8-23 cm long and 4-14 cm wide. They have slightly serrated margins, and their color is dark green on top and lighter green underneath.
The inflorescences of Erythrina bancoensis are showy, dense, and bright red. They consist of numerous flowers arranged in terminal racemes. The flowers are characterized by a curved and elongated standard petal, a pair of lateral wings, and a keel. The fruit is a flat, linear pod up to 20 cm long and 2 cm wide. Each pod contains 4-10 seeds embedded in a spongy pulp that is sweet and edible.
Origin and Common Names
Erythrina bancoensis is native to West Africa, specifically in Benin, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Togo. The species is typically found in riparian zones, forests, and savannas. It is also planted in agroforestry systems as a shade tree, a living fence, and a source of wood and fodder.
The common names of Erythrina bancoensis vary depending on the country and the language. In English, it is commonly known as "Benin coral tree," "Ghana coral tree," or "Ivory Coast erythrina." In French, it is called "corail du Bénin," "corail du Ghana," or "érythrine de Côte d'Ivoire." In local languages, it has various names, such as "awopa" in Ghana, "kozo" in Togo, or "ogoth" in Benin.
Uses and Benefits
Erythrina bancoensis has several uses in traditional medicine and agriculture. The bark, leaves, and roots of the tree are used in herbal remedies to treat various health conditions, such as fever, diarrhea, dysentery, cough, and skin infections. The leaves also have insecticidal properties and are used to protect stored grains from pests. The pulp of the pods, as mentioned earlier, is edible and can be used to make jam or fermented drinks.
In agroforestry systems, Erythrina bancoensis is valued for its nitrogen-fixing ability, which improves soil fertility and benefits neighboring crops. The tree is also used as a shade tree for cocoa, coffee, and other crops, reducing heat stress and increasing productivity. The wood of Erythrina bancoensis is lightweight, soft, and easy to carve, making it useful for making tools, utensils, and canoes.
Moreover, the tree has cultural and symbolic value for local communities who use it in rituals, ceremonies, and as a source of inspiration for art and crafts.
Light Requirements
Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr. thrives well in full sunlight. It requires at least 6 hours of sunlight exposure daily to grow healthy and produce flowers. Insufficient sunlight exposure may result in stunted growth and unhealthy-looking foliage. Therefore, it is best to plant Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr. in a spot that receives direct sunlight for most of the day.
Temperature Requirements
Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr. is a tropical species that requires warm temperatures to grow. The plant prefers a temperature range of 23°C to 28°C during the day and around 20°C at night. When temperatures fall below 15°C or above 32°C, Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr. may experience growth stunting, leaf browning and even death.
Soil Requirements
Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr. grows best in well-draining soils with moderate to high fertility levels. The plant prefers slightly acidic to neutral soils with a pH of around 5.5 to 7.5. It also thrives in soils with high organic matter content. Sandy soils are not suitable for Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr. as it requires good water retention in the soil. It is also essential to avoid waterlogged soils as the plant may not tolerate waterlogged conditions.
Cultivation of Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr. grows best in a moist, well-draining soil. The ideal location for this plant is one that receives ample sunlight and is sheltered from strong winds. While it can tolerate a range of temperatures, it thrives in warmer climates.
Planting should be done during the rainy season. Dig a hole that is twice the size of the root ball, and place the plant gently in the hole. Backfill with soil and water thoroughly. Provide support using stakes until the plant becomes established.
Watering Needs
Watering is crucial during the first year after planting and during extended periods of drought. The plant needs to be watered regularly but not excessively to avoid waterlogging. It is recommended to water the plant thoroughly and then allow the soil to dry before watering again.
Fertilization
Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr. benefit from regular fertilization. A balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. Apply the fertilizers around the base of the plant and water it well. Avoid over-fertilization as it can lead to excessive growth but weak branches that are more prone to break.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to maintain the plant's shape, remove damaged or diseased branches, or to control its growth. It should be done during the dormant season, usually during the winter or early spring. Cut off any branches that cross or rub against each other, as this can cause damage. Remove the weak and stunted branches and leave the healthy ones, which will grow vigorously, providing a beautiful shape to the tree.
Propagation methods for Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Propagation of Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr. can be achieved through different methods, including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed propagation
Seeds of Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr. can be collected from mature pods that turn brown and dry when they are ready for harvesting. Seeds should be scarified before planting to break their hard coat and allow water to enter. Scarification can be done mechanically by clipping or filing the seed coat or chemically by soaking the seeds in hot water for several hours. After scarification, seeds can be planted in pots or containers filled with well-draining soil and kept under a warm, humid environment. Germination can take several weeks to months.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation of Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr. can be achieved through different methods, including stem cuttings, grafting, and air layering.
Stem cuttings are taken from mature plants during the growing season. Cuttings should be about 15 cm long and have at least three nodes. Leaves should be removed from the lower half of the cutting, and the base should be dipped in a rooting hormone before planting in a well-draining rooting medium. Cuttings should be kept under a warm, humid environment until roots have developed.
Grafting is another propagation method that can be used for Erythrina bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr. The scion is taken from a desired cultivar, and the rootstock is taken from a compatible plant. A cut is made on both the scion and rootstock, and the two pieces are joined and tightly bound until they have healed and the scion has started to grow.
Air layering is a propagation method that involves inducing roots to grow on a stem while it is still attached to the mother plant. A section of the stem is wounded, and a rooting hormone is applied to the wound. A ball of moist sphagnum moss or similar material is wrapped around the wound and covered with plastic wrap to maintain humidity. After roots have formed, the section of stem is cut from the mother plant and planted in a well-draining soil mix.
Disease and Pest Management for Erythrina Bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr.
Erythrina Bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr., commonly known as Banco Coral Tree, is a beautiful plant that adds a lot of aesthetic value to any landscape. However, like any other plant, it is prone to several diseases and pests that can cause harm and reduce its overall health and beauty. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases:
1. Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause leaf spots, stem cankers, and dieback of twigs and branches. The fungus is usually spread through splashing water, and it thrives in warm and humid conditions. To manage anthracnose, prune and destroy infected branches and twigs, avoid overhead watering, and improve air circulation around the plant.
2. Powdery mildew: This fungal disease is characterized by a powdery white growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It affects the plant's ability to photosynthesize, reducing its overall health. To manage powdery mildew, prune and discard infected parts of the plant, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide if necessary.
3. Root rot: This disease is caused by various soil-dwelling fungi that attack the plant's roots, reducing its ability to absorb water and nutrients. Overwatering and poor drainage are the main factors that contribute to root rot. To manage root rot, avoid overwatering, improve soil drainage, and prune and discard infected parts of the plant.
Pests:
1. Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the plant's sap, causing discoloration, stunted growth, and leaf drop. They thrive in hot and dry conditions and can multiply rapidly, leading to severe infestations. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a strong jet of water to dislodge them, prune and discard infested parts of the plant, and apply a miticide if necessary.
2. Whiteflies: Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck the plant's sap, causing yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced fruit production. They are usually found on the underside of leaves and can cause severe damage if left unchecked. To manage whiteflies, prune and discard heavily infested parts of the plant, apply sticky traps to catch the adult flies, and use an insecticide if necessary.
3. Caterpillars: Caterpillars are the larval stage of moths and butterflies that feed on the leaves and fruits of the plant, causing significant damage. They can be controlled through manual removal or the use of a biological pesticide that targets only caterpillars.
In conclusion, managing diseases and pests in Erythrina Bancoensis Aubrév. & Pellegr. is crucial in maintaining the health and beauty of this plant. By following the recommended preventive and control strategies, you can keep your plant free from pests and diseases and enjoy its aesthetic value for a long time.
