Origin
Erythrina humeana Spreng. is a flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family and is native to South America, specifically Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. It can also be found in other parts of the world as an ornamental species.
Common Names
This plant has several common names, including Bucare ancho, Cardinal Spear, Coral Arbol, and Tigre del monte in Spanish, and Brazilian Coral Tree, Dwarf Coral Tree, and Hume's Coral Tree in English.
Uses
Erythrina humeana Spreng. has several uses, both medicinal and ornamental. The plant's bark, leaves, flowers, and seeds are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of anxiety, insomnia, fever, and high blood pressure. Additionally, it is used to aid in digestion and as a natural relaxant.
Ornamentally, the plant is ideal for use as a hedge, screen, or specimen plant due to its showy coral-colored flowers. The leaves are also attractive and can be used in floral arrangements. However, caution should be taken around this plant since it contains toxic compounds.
General Appearance
The Erythrina humeana Spreng. plant can grow up to 7 meters tall and has a rounded and spreading canopy. The leaves are large, with a trifoliate arrangement and a bright green color. The plant produces clusters of tubular, coral-colored flowers, each of which is 4-5 cm long. The flowers bloom in the spring and summer months, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. The plant's fruit is a pod that is brown in color and can contain up to six seeds.
Light Requirements
Erythrina humeana Spreng. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In shaded areas, the plant may grow slower and may not flower as much as those grown in full sun.
Temperature Requirements
Erythrina humeana Spreng. is a tropical plant and grows best in warm temperatures between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). It cannot tolerate frost and should be protected during cold weather.
Soil Requirements
Erythrina humeana Spreng. prefers well-draining soil with a pH level between 6.0 and 7.0. It can grow in a range of soils including sandy, loamy or clay soils given they are well-draining. The plant requires regular moisture, but it cannot tolerate water-logged soil which can lead to root rot.
Cultivation Methods
Erythrina humeana Spreng. can be propagated from both seeds and stem cuttings. For seed germination, soak the seeds overnight in warm water before planting in well-draining soil. Stem cuttings should be taken during the growing season and planted in a well-draining mixture of peat and sand. The plant requires full sun exposure and prefers warm temperatures between 60°F to 80°F. It is important to protect the plant from frost and harsh winds.
Watering Needs
Erythrina humeana Spreng. prefers a moderate amount of water. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season. However, be careful not to overwater the plant as it is susceptible to root rot. To check if the soil is moist enough for watering, dig a finger an inch deep into the soil, and check for moisture. If it is dry, then water the plant.
Fertilization
The plant requires regular fertilization during the growing season, especially when grown in containers. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer, high in nitrogen every two weeks. It is essential to avoid over-fertilizing the plant as it may cause the plant to grow too fast, resulting in weak growth, and fungal diseases. During the dormant season, fertilizer should not be applied until the plant resumes growth.
Pruning
Prune Erythrina humeana Spreng. during the dormant season to remove dead, diseased, and damaged branches. It is important to prune the plant to maintain a desirable shape and size. Spring pruning is not recommended as it may interfere with flower production. Remove suckers from the base of the plant to prevent overcrowding and weaken the stem. To promote more blooms, deadhead regularly by removing spent flowers.
Propagation of Erythrina humeana Spreng.
Erythrina humeana Spreng. can be propagated from seeds, stem cuttings, and grafting.
Propagation by Seeds
The seeds of Erythrina humeana Spreng. should be collected from the ripe pods. The seeds should be washed with water to remove the pulp and sun-dried. Stratification is not necessary for germination, but the seeds can be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting to facilitate germination. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, lightly covered with soil, and watered well. The seedlings should emerge within 10 to 21 days. Seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots when they have a height of around 10 to 15 cm.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings of Erythrina humeana Spreng. can be taken from mature stems in the spring or early summer. The cuttings should be around 10 to 15 cm long and have at least three nodes. The lower leaves should be removed, and a cut should be made just below the lowest remaining node. The cuttings should be treated with a rooting hormone and planted in a well-drained rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and in partial shade until they have developed roots. After rooting, the cuttings can be transplanted to individual pots.
Propagation by Grafting
Grafting is an effective way to propagate Erythrina humeana Spreng. The rootstock should be a healthy and vigorous plant. The scion should be a new shoot from a mature Erythrina humeana Spreng. plant. The grafting should be done during the dormant season. The scion should be cut at an angle and inserted into the rootstock's stem, which should also be cut at an angle. The graft should be bound tightly with tape and covered with a plastic bag to maintain high humidity. After approximatively two months, the tape and bag should be removed. The graft union should be checked regularly and pruned if necessary.
Disease and Pest Management for Erythrina Humeana Spreng.
Erythrina humeana Spreng., commonly known as the Natal Coral Tree, is a fast-growing plant with showy flowers that thrive in warm climates. However, like most plants, E. humeana is prone to diseases and pest infestations that can damage or kill the plant.
Common Diseases
E. humeana is susceptible to several diseases, including:
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes dark spots on leaves and stems, eventually leading to defoliation. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts and using a fungicide.
- Root and stem rot: This disease is caused by fungi that attack the roots and stem, causing wilting and discoloration. It can be prevented by maintaining proper soil drainage and avoiding overwatering.
- Leaf spot: This is another fungal disease that causes yellowing and browning of leaves, leading to defoliation. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts and using a fungicide.
Common Pests
E. humeana is also susceptible to pest infestations, including:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing stunted growth, distorted leaves, and sooty mold. They can be managed by using insecticidal soap or neem oil.
- Caterpillars: These are the larvae of butterflies and moths, which feed on the leaves of the plant, causing defoliation. They can be managed by removing them by hand or using a pesticide.
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the leaves of the plant, causing yellowing and webbing. They can be managed by increasing humidity and using a miticide.
It's important to regularly inspect your E. humeana plant for signs of disease or pest infestation. Early detection and prompt management can help prevent serious damage to the plant.
