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December 9, 2008 : Erythrina lysistemon
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Plant Family / Families: Fabaceae
Scientific Name and Author: Erythrina lysistemon Hutch.
Institution: Walter Sisulu National Botanical Gardens
Name Location: Roodeport, Gauteng, South Africa
And yet another thank you to Jackie for contributions of both a photograph and write-up...
There are over one hundred species of Erythrina, and members of this genus can be found in Asia, Africa and the Americas. This particular species, Erythrina lysistemon, is native to southern Africa, where it can be found growing in various habitats: from dry woodlands and coastal bush to savannahs and sand dunes. A small tree, Erythrina lysistemon can range in height from 3-12m tall, depending on environmental conditions.
This particular specimen was blooming at Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden, located just outside of Johannesburg, in the Gauteng Province of South Africa.
The genus name Erythrina is derived from the Greek erythros meaning "red", while the species name lysistemon means "with loose stamen or stamens". Stamens are the pollen producing organs of the flower, and in this species, one stamen is free while the other stamens are fused together to form a sheath.
The pale grey bark, scattered with hooked thorns prickles (see below re: comments -- and thank you!), is dramatic on its own, but becomes vividly highlighted by the striking red flowers. Erythrina lysistemon, or coral tree, flowers in late winter to early spring (August to September in the southern hemisphere). The bright red flowers are held in a narrow inflorescence about 10cm long. Seeds are contained in thin black pods that can reach 15cm long. The pods remain on the tree and eventually split open, revealing bright red seeds. This small botanical drawing clearly illustrates the seedpod structure, as well as leaf and flower shape.
Leaves are produced at the end of the flowering period and are composed of three large leaflets. Each leaflet can reach up to 15cm across. The leaflets are also equipped with hooks. Aluka has a more detailed plant description of Erythrina lysistemon.
Despite the vicious appearance of this plant, it is extremely generous to its community. It provides food and shelter for a variety of animals and insects -- game, such as black rhinos and elephants, eat the leaves and bark. The flowers produce a large amount of nectar which attracts insects, birds, and monkeys. Erythrina lysistemon also plays an important role in human lives; local people value this plant for both its magical and medicinal properties. Plantzafrica details more on the importance of Erythrina lysistemon.
Posted by Daniel Mosquin at December 9, 2008 8:58 PM
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Comments
Posted by: Lynne at December 9, 2008 9:58 PM
The first thing that popped into my head when I saw the photo was "Beautiful!" ... followed almost immediately by "and dangerous!" A truly impressive plant. Thanks!
Posted by: Clint McInnes at December 10, 2008 4:54 AM
Absolutely stunning! Cheers for the share!
Posted by: J at December 10, 2008 5:07 AM
Are those really "thorns" or prickles? There is a difference (in roses anyway).
Steve Jones with the Pacific Southwest District of the American Rose Society explains further:
Thorn – A leaf, part of a leaf, or shoot, with a vascular bundle, and ending in a hard, sharp point.
Prickle – A hard pointed dermal appendage that does not contain a vascular bundle.
Vascular bundle – The longitudinal strand of conducting tissue, consisting essentially of xylem and phloem.
"What this means is a thorn is an integral part of the plant. A stem is composed of xylem and phloem which moves water and nutrients up and down the plant. A true thorn also contains xylem and phloem. Typically they are part of the plant and will not snap off easily. They tend to break, usually at the tip. A prickle is an appendage that is attached to the surface of the cane and snaps off easily. This is what roses have."
Posted by: TC at December 10, 2008 5:14 AM
"...game, such as black rhinos and elephants, eat the leaves and bark."
Hmmm...I didn't know that rhinos and elephants could bark! (Nice photo!)
Posted by: Steve K. (Michigan) at December 10, 2008 5:33 AM
How festive!
Posted by: Deb at December 10, 2008 5:34 AM
Pepperdine University, in Malibu, California, has used these trees very decoratively on campus. It was so great to se them blooming in March, against the blue of the sea and sky! Well, 20 years ago anyway- haven't been out there since then.
Posted by: Connie at December 10, 2008 5:42 AM
Right brain: beautiful and formidable!
Left brain: Yes, those would be prickles. They are not associated with nodes (thus are not spines, modified leaves), nor are they thorns (modified stems).
Posted by: Alan Weakley at December 10, 2008 6:27 AM
Breathtaking.
Posted by: A at December 10, 2008 7:50 AM
The educational component of the BPoTD blog kicked in today for me - never knew the difference between thorns and prickles.
I *did* know spines were modified leaves.
Excellent photo but that almost goes without saying here. =)
Posted by: Eric in SF at December 10, 2008 11:39 AM
> Hmmm...I didn't know that rhinos and elephants could bark! (Nice photo!) Posted by: Steve K. (Michigan) at December 10, 2008 5:33 AM
LOL, Steve K.! Good one!
Posted by: Peggy in CA at December 10, 2008 3:09 PM
When I first looked at the thorns, er... prickles, I thought that they looked just like a rose's. With the height on this plant, it would seem suitable for a living fence. With that branching structure, it would be easy to train. The thorns might be able to keep livestock in or unwanted animals out. You wouldn't want to keep elephants in with this because the barking would keep you up all night. :>)
Posted by: Bob Wilson at December 10, 2008 5:40 PM
Great picture and interesting write-up Jackie. Thanks.. But, don't be too dismayed by the spoofs by some sharp-eyed readers about rhinos and elephants barking. It shows that people ARE reading BPoD! (I bet you will really double-check your future writings.) Keep up the good work. I look forward to more photos and articles about the flora in South Africa. And if you have any tapes of rhinos and elephants barking.......!
Posted by: Knox at December 10, 2008 8:39 PM
Great photo, many thanks. The light and shadow and point of view all nearly perfect.
Posted by: Michael Williamson at December 11, 2008 8:02 AM
Please share your comments about the photograph(s) and accompanying write-up. Telling a story about the subject of the photograph(s) is also much appreciated! If you have a gardening question, the best place to ask is on the UBC Botanical Garden Forums. Thank you!
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Awesome! Such a dramatic looking plant.