Erythrina senegalensis

NAME: Erythrina senegalensis

FAMILY: Fabaceae (Legume family)

COMMON NAMES: Senegal coral tree, Senegal erythrina

LOCAL NAMES: N/A

MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION: Erythrina senegalensis is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 15 meters tall. It has a spreading canopy with a relatively short trunk and smooth, grayish-brown bark. The leaves are compound and consist of three leaflets. Each leaflet is oval-shaped with a pointed tip and serrated edges. The tree produces vibrant red or orange flowers arranged in clusters, which give way to long, flat seed pods containing several seeds.

USEFUL PART(s): Different parts of Erythrina senegalensis have various uses.

GENERAL USES:

  1. Traditional Medicine: Erythrina senegalensis has a long history of use in traditional medicine in certain regions. The bark, leaves, and roots are used to prepare remedies for various ailments. It is believed to possess properties such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anticonvulsant effects. It is used to treat conditions like malaria, skin infections, toothache, and respiratory disorders.

  2. Timber: The wood of Erythrina senegalensis is highly valued for its durability and strength. It is used in construction, furniture making, and crafting musical instruments.

GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION: Erythrina senegalensis is native to sub-Saharan Africa, including countries like Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Sudan, and Ethiopia. It can be found in various types of forests, savannahs, and wooded grasslands.

WHY IS IT GREEN? Erythrina senegalensis, like other plants, appears green due to the presence of chlorophyll in its leaves. Chlorophyll is a pigment that captures sunlight during photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert light energy into chemical energy. Chlorophyll absorbs red and blue wavelengths of light while reflecting green light, giving plants their characteristic green color.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT: Erythrina senegalensis is a valuable tree species that provides shade and habitat for wildlife. It also has nitrogen-fixing properties, which means it can enrich the soil with nitrogen through a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules. This ability contributes to soil fertility and benefits surrounding plant communities.

FUN FACT: In some African cultures, Erythrina senegalensis is considered a sacred tree and is associated with various traditional beliefs and rituals. It is often planted near homesteads as a symbol of protection and to ward off evil spirits.

Further Reading:

  1. "Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Erythrina senegalensis: A Review." By D. M. Karumi and others.

  2. "Pharmacological and Toxicological Profile of Erythrina senegalensis: A Review." By A. A. Adedapo and others.

  3. "Antimicrobial Activity of Erythrina senegalensis DC (Fabaceae)." By D. N. Morjaria and others.