Erythrina mulungu

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Corallodendron mulungu
• Erythrina dominguezii
• Erythrina xinguensis

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Erythrina and the specific species mulungu.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse presence across several regions of the South American continent. In Western South America, its range includes the country of Bolivia. Within Brazil, the species is specifically documented in both the West-Central and Southeast regions. Moving toward Southern South America, it can be found in the Northeast of Argentina. Finally, its distribution extends into the Northwest portion of Argentina as well.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Erythrina mulungu is characterized by its adaptation to specific biomes and altitudinal gradients within its native range. It is predominantly found inhabiting the Cerrado (latu sensu) and the Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, where it integrates into the seasonal dynamics of these vegetation types. In terms of topography, the species occupies a broad altitudinal gradient, ranging from sea level (0 m AMSL) up to a maximum elevation of 600 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Estacional Semidecidual

Life history

The life history of Erythrina mulungu is characterized by its status as a perennial organism, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a long-term presence within its ecosystem. As a phanerophyte, its regenerative buds are elevated well above the ground on woody stems or branches, a structural adaptation that defines its life form and aids in its survival against various environmental pressures. This phanerophyte growth habit ensures that the plant can maintain its stature and reproductive capacity over many years, contributing to its stability in its natural habitat.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Erythrina mulungu is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, reaching a maximum plant height of approximately 20 m. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic, semiaquatic, or epiphytic tendencies, maintaining an independent existence without being an obligatory or facultative parasite. The plant is strictly self-supporting, lacking any climber or liana characteristics, and functions as a fully independent organism within its ecosystem.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

20 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Erythrina mulungu is characterized by its specialized metabolic processes and structural adaptations suited for its native tropical environments. As a woody legume, its primary carbon fixation process follows the C3 photosynthetic pathway, utilizing the enzyme RuBisCO to incorporate atmospheric carbon dioxide directly into the Calvin cycle. This metabolic strategy dictates its water-use efficiency and gas exchange patterns, necessitating specific stomatal regulation to balance CO2 uptake with transpiration rates. Beyond carbon assimilation, the plant exhibits complex secondary metabolism, specifically the biosynthesis of various alkaloids that serve as chemical defense mechanisms against herbivory. Its physiological vigor is further supported by its nitrogen-fixing capabilities, facilitated through symbiotic relationships with rhizobial bacteria in its root nodules, which optimizes nutrient uptake in often nutrient-leached tropical soils.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Erythrina mulungu has 2 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include stem, flower.

Stem

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology

Flower

1. Journal of natural products

Chemicals

Erythrina mulungu has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (+)-alpha-Hydroxyerysotrine, (+)-erythravine.

(+)-alpha-Hydroxyerysotrine

1. Journal of natural products

(+)-erythravine

1. Journal of natural products

Activities

Erythrina mulungu has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimalarial, Anxiolytic.

Antimalarial

1. Expert opinion on therapeutic patents

Anxiolytic

1. Journal of natural products

Conditions

Erythrina mulungu has 8 reported investigations on conditions identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Anxiolytic effects, Staphylococcus aureus, asthma, central nervous system, leishmania.

Anxiolytic effects

1. Journal of natural products

Staphylococcus aureus

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Asthma

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Central nervous system

1. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology

Leishmania

1. Expert opinion on therapeutic patents

Malaria

1. Expert opinion on therapeutic patents

Respiratory diseases

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Trypanosomiasis

1. Expert opinion on therapeutic patents

Preparations

Erythrina mulungu has 2 reported preparations identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include hydroalcoholic extracts, ethanolic extracts from the stem barks.

Hydroalcoholic extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. The Journal of pharmacy and pharmacology

Ethanolic extracts from the stem barks

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology