Erythrina
StarErythrina abyssinica
Synonyms: Erythrina abyssinica subsp. suberifera, Erythrina comosa, Erythrina warneckei, Erythrina webberi, Erythrina tomentosa var. longicauda, Corallodendron huillense, Chirocalyx abyssinicus, Corallodendron abyssinicum, Corallodendron suberifera, Erythrina suberifera, Erythrina tomentosa, Erythrina suberosa, Erythrina pelligera, Erythrina platyphylla, Chirocalyx mollissimus, Erythrina mossambicensis, Chirocalyx tomentosus, Erythrina bequaertii, Erythrina huillensis, Erythrina eggelingii, Erythrina kassneri
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
Erythrina abyssinica is an important medicinal tree across East, Central and Southern Africa, where traditional healers use the bark and roots to treat wounds, skin and soft-tissue infections, sexually transmitted infections, malaria, tuberculosis, diarrhoea and inflammatory conditions (Obakiro et al., 2021, Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med.). These uses are supported by pharmacological evidence: extracts and isolated pterocarpans and flavonoids show antibacterial and antifungal activity, and aqueous root-bark extract showed significant in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity in a murine model, while stem-bark flavonoids have demonstrated antiplasmodial activity (Obakiro et al., 2021; Yenesew et al., 2004).
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Botanical Description
Erythrina abyssinica, the Abyssinian coral tree or red-hot-poker tree, is a small to medium deciduous tree of the family Fabaceae widespread across East, Central and Southern Africa, where it grows in wooded grassland, savanna and bushland. It typically reaches 6 to 12 m, with a rounded, open crown and a thick, deeply fissured corky bark; the trunk and branches bear scattered woody prickles. The leaves are alternate and trifoliolate, with broad, often rounded leaflets. In the dry season, before or with the new leaves, it produces spectacular dense heads of bright scarlet to orange-red, tubular pea-flowers. The fruit is a constricted, woody pod that splits to release shiny red and black seeds (the 'lucky beans'). It is a conspicuous, fire-resistant tree of African woodland.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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