Red hot poker tree, Lucky-bean tree
Erythrina abyssinica

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 40 m tall. The bark is corky and has furrows. The branches have spines. The crown is rounded. The leaves are diamond shaped and hairy. They are 15 cm long. The flowers are bright red. They hang down in groups. The fruit are curved pods. These are 10-15 cm long. There are 5-8 bright red seeds.

There are about 108 Erythrina species. The root is probably used in medicine.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows between 200-2,500 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places. In Zimbabwe it grows between 800-1,750 m above sea level. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa (country/location of origin), Angola, Asia, Australia, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo DR, East Africa, Eritrea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

Caution: The seeds are poisonous. The leaves and bark are used as a tea substitute.

It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Root - tea, bark, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. It can be cut back and will re-grow.

It grows slowly.

Its other names

Local names

Dus, Kuara, Mulungu lungu, Mungoma ngoma, Munhimbiti, Mutete, Mutiti, Muwale, Nacona, Narlico, Pohon dadap merah, Titi-titi, Umgqogqogqo, Umuko

Synonyms

Erythrina tomentosa R. Br.; Erythrina webberi Baker f.;