thorny coraltree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• thorny coraltree
• Tambookie Thorn
• Tambuki Thorn

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Corallodendron acanthocarpum

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Erythrina, specifically as the species Erythrina acanthocarpa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within the diverse landscapes of Southern Africa. Its natural range extends through the various regions of the Cape Provinces. Additionally, it is widely distributed across the Free State. The species can also be located within the Northern Provinces. These specific locations define the core geographical footprint of Erythrina acanthocarpa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Erythrina acanthocarpa is defined by its ability to thrive within a specific altitudinal gradient, typically occupying diverse landscapes ranging from lower foothills to mid-altitude terrains. This species is found across an elevational range that begins as low as 250 m AMSL and extends up to a maximum of 1500 m AMSL. Within this vertical distribution, the plant adapts to various microclimates and soil compositions characteristic of these elevations, playing a role in the local ecosystem through its specific niche requirements.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

250 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Erythrina acanthocarpa is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it maintains its physiological functions and structural integrity over many years rather than completing its cycle in a single season. As a long-lived woody plant, it establishes a robust root system and a durable canopy that allows it to persist through various environmental fluctuations. Its developmental trajectory involves an initial establishment phase, followed by several years of vegetative growth and periodic reproductive cycles, where it invests energy into flowering and seed production to ensure the continuation of its lineage within its native habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Erythrina acanthocarpa is characterized by its growth form as a woody shrub that functions as a self-supporting plant. It is a terrestrial species, existing as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of stature, the plant maintains a height ranging from a minimum of 1 meter to a maximum of 2 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

2 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Erythrina acanthocarpa has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include seed.

Seed

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Erythrina acanthocarpa has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include DE 1, DE 2.

DE 1

1. Journal of natural products

DE 2

1. Journal of natural products