Erythrina addisoniae

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further categorized under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, falling into the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Erythrina, specifically as the species Erythrina addisoniae.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is found throughout specific regions of West Tropical Africa. Its natural range includes the coastal and inland areas of Ghana and Ivory Coast. Furthermore, it is documented to grow within the territories of Liberia and Sierra Leone. The distribution also extends significantly into Nigeria. Consequently, these five nations represent the primary geographical locations for this medicinal species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Erythrina addisoniae is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to establish a long-term presence within its natural habitat. As a perennial woody plant, it avoids the complete senescence seen in annuals, instead focusing its energy on sustained growth and seasonal cycles. Throughout its life, the plant undergoes distinct physiological phases, transitioning from seedling establishment to a mature stage where it can undergo repeated reproductive cycles. Its developmental longevity ensures that it can withstand environmental fluctuations over multiple years, contributing to the stability of its ecosystem through its continuous presence and periodic flowering and fruiting patterns.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Erythrina addisoniae is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree. It is a self-supporting species that does not exhibit climbing habits, maintaining a stable upright structure. On average, the plant reaches a height of approximately 17.14 meters, demonstrating a significant vertical presence in its natural habitat.

Climber :

self-supporting

Growth form :

tree

Plant height mean:

17.14411119 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Erythrina addisoniae is characterized by its specialized metabolic processes and nutrient acquisition strategies within its native subtropical environments. A defining physiological feature of this species is its relationship with soil nutrients; specifically, it is not a nitrogen fixer, meaning it lacks the symbiotic relationship with Rhizobium bacteria in root nodules required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms. Consequently, the plant relies on the uptake of nitrates and ammonium directly from the soil through its root system to support its vegetative growth and the synthesis of complex alkaloids. Its metabolic pathways are highly efficient in managing water stress, often employing physiological adaptations to maintain turgor pressure during dry periods. Furthermore, the plant's secondary metabolism is robust, involving the synthesis of various bioactive compounds that serve both protective roles against herbivory and physiological regulation within its own tissues.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Erythrina addisoniae has 1 reported plant parts identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem.

Stem

1. Phytochemistry
2. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

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

Warangalone

1. Journal of natural products

Conditions

Erythrina addisoniae has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include inflammation.

Inflammation

1. Journal of natural products

Preparations

Erythrina addisoniae has 3 reported preparations identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Extracts of Erythrina addisoniae, bark, stem bark.

Extracts of erythrina addisoniae

1. Phytochemistry

Bark

1. Journal of natural products

Stem bark

1. Journal of natural products