Erythrina berteroana

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical distribution that spans across multiple continents and diverse ecological zones. In East Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted within the borders of Tanzania. The species also has a significant footprint in Mexico, where it can be found in the Mexico Gulf, the Southwest, and the Southeast regions. Moving into Central America, the plant is also documented in Belize. Consequently, its habitat ranges from the African tropics to various distinct territories across Mexico and Central America.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Erythrina berteroana is characterized by its broad adaptive capacity across diverse vertical gradients within its natural habitat. This species is found across a wide altitudinal spectrum, ranging from sea level up to a maximum elevation of 2000 m AMSL. This extensive elevational range suggests that the plant is capable of thriving in both lowland tropical environments and higher-altitude montane ecosystems, allowing it to occupy various ecological niches depending on local moisture and temperature regimes. Its presence from 0 m to 2000 m AMSL indicates a high level of environmental plasticity, enabling it to persist in habitats that vary significantly in atmospheric pressure and climatic stability.

Elevational range max:

2000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Erythrina berteroana is characterized by its existence as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its environment over many growing seasons. Throughout its development, the plant exhibits a deciduous growth habit, shedding its foliage periodically, typically in response to seasonal changes or dry periods. This cycle of regrowth and leaf loss is a fundamental aspect of its physiological rhythm as it matures through its long-term lifecycle.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Erythrina berteroana is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, typically reaching a height between 8 and 10 meters. As a self-supporting organism, it does not function as a climber, liana, or vine, nor does it exhibit epiphyte or parasitic behaviors, remaining an independent terrestrial plant. Its structural development is strictly non-aquatic, thriving in terrestrial environments through a robust, woody framework.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

8 m

Plant height mean:

10 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Erythrina berteroana is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle within the mesophyll cells. This metabolic process is typical of many woody tropical species, allowing the plant to optimize gas exchange and energy production under its specific environmental conditions. Furthermore, the plant functions as a nitrogen fixer, utilizing a symbiotic relationship with specialized bacteria (typically Rhizobium) housed within root nodules. This biological nitrogen fixation enables the plant to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a bioavailable form, enhancing its nutrient uptake and supporting robust growth even in nitrogen-deficient soils.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Erythrina berteroana is characterized by a biotic pollination syndrome, specifically relying on birds to facilitate the transfer of pollen. This specialized relationship with avian pollinators ensures the genetic exchange necessary for the species' survival. Following successful fertilization, the plant produces seeds with specific physical dimensions; the seed mass exhibits a mean value of approximately 0.20598 g, with individual seed weights ranging from a minimum of 0.18696 g to a maximum of 0.225 g.

Pollination syndrome :

bird

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass max:

0.225 g

Seed mass mean:

0.20598 g

Seed mass min:

0.18696 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Erythrina berteroana has 19 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ash, CALCIUM, Erysodine, Erysopine, Erysothiopine.

Ash

1. Dr. Duke

CALCIUM

1. Dr. Duke

Erysodine

1. Dr. Duke

Erysopine

1. Dr. Duke

Erysothiopine

1. Dr. Duke

Erysothiovine

1. Dr. Duke

Erysovine

1. Dr. Duke

FAT

1. Dr. Duke

Hypaphorine

1. Dr. Duke

IRON

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Erythrina berteroana has 219 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Acidulant, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allergenic, Analgesic, Androgenic?.

Acidulant

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Androgenic?

1. Dr. Duke

Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker

1. Dr. Duke

AntiAGE

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCFS

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCTS

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCrohn's

1. Dr. Duke