Erythrina edulis

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad range across several regions of the South American continent. In northern South America, its presence is documented within the borders of Venezuela. Moving toward the western part of the continent, it is widely distributed throughout Colombia and Ecuador. The species also maintains a significant presence across the landscape of Peru. Finally, its geographical reach extends further into western South America to include Bolivia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Erythrina eduulis is characterized by its broad adaptability to diverse topographical gradients, spanning an extensive elevational range from 0 m to a maximum of 2600 m AMSL. This wide altitudinal distribution allows the species to inhabit various ecological niches, ranging from low-lying coastal or riverine environments to high-altitude montane regions. By thriving across such a diverse vertical gradient, the plant can withstand varied climatic conditions, including fluctuations in temperature, moisture availability, and atmospheric pressure. Its ability to establish itself from sea level up to significant montane heights suggests a resilient physiological capacity to navigate different microclimates and soil compositions within its native habitats.

Elevational range max:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Erythrina edulis is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it survives for many years and undergoes multiple reproductive cycles throughout its existence. As a woody legume, it follows a long-term developmental trajectory that begins with seed germination, typically triggered by seasonal moisture availability, followed by a period of vegetative growth where it establishes a robust root system and structural canopy. Throughout its multi-year lifespan, the plant exhibits seasonal patterns of growth and flowering, often utilizing its perennial nature to endure varying environmental conditions and accumulate enough energy reserves to produce its characteristic bright floral displays. Unlike annuals or biennials that complete their life cycle in a single or double season, this perennial maintains a persistent presence in its ecosystem, contributing to long-term ecological stability through its continuous woody development and repeated reproductive efforts.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Erythrina eduulis is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree. It is a self-supporting plant that does not function as a climber or a liana, nor does it exhibit any parasitic behavior, growing instead as an independent organism. The species is strictly terrestrial, lacking any epiphytic or aquatic characteristics. In terms of stature, the plant typically reaches a height of approximately 10 m, with a recorded height range spanning from a minimum of 4 m to a maximum of 10 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

10 m

Plant height min:

4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Erythrina eduulis is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the standard Calvin cycle for carbon fixation during the light-independent reactions. This plant functions as a nitrogen fixer, maintaining a symbiotic relationship with rhizobial bacteria within its root nodules to convert atmospheric nitrogen into biologically available forms, which enhances its nutrient uptake and growth in nitrogen-poor soils.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

Reproduction in Erythrina eduulis is driven by a biotic pollination syndrome, where the transfer of pollen is facilitated by living organisms rather than abiotic factors. Specifically, the plant relies on animal vectors to achieve fertilization, with bees serving as a primary pollination agent. This interaction between the floral morphology and its biological pollinators ensures the successful movement of pollen between flowers, supporting the plant's reproductive cycle through these specialized biotic mechanisms.

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Erythrina edulis 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. Natural product communications