Erythrina rubrinervia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Chirocalyx rubrinervius
• Corallodendron rubrinerve

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it falls under the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is categorized under the genus Erythrina, specifically as the species Erythrina rubrinervia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range spanning from South Asia to the Americas. In the Indian Subcontinent, its presence is specifically noted in Sri Lanka. Moving across the ocean, it is distributed throughout various regions of Mexico, including the Gulf, the Southwest, and the Southeast. Its reach extends further into Central America, where it can be found in El Salvador. Together, these locations highlight the widespread ecological adaptability of the species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Erythrina rubrinervia is characterized by its remarkable adaptability to diverse topographical gradients, allowing it to thrive across a vast altitudinal spectrum. This species occupies a wide environmental niche, ranging from lowland coastal areas and riverine habitats at 0 m AMSL to high-altitude montane regions reaching up to 3000 m AMSL. Such an extensive elevational range suggests a high tolerance for varying temperature regimes, atmospheric pressures, and moisture availability. Typically found in disturbed forest edges, secondary growth forests, and occasionally in open scrublands, its distribution is often influenced by soil composition and the presence of seasonal moisture. The ability to persist from sea level to significant elevations enables the plant to play various roles within its respective ecosystems, from stabilizing riparian zones in lowlands to serving as a component of higher-altitude woody vegetation.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Erythrina rubrinervia is characterized by its nature as a perennial species, allowing it to establish long-term presence within its ecological niche. Throughout its developmental stages, the plant exhibits a deciduous growth habit, undergoing seasonal cycles where it sheds its foliage. This deciduousness is a key component of its life strategy, influencing its metabolic activity and resource management across different environmental conditions.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Erythrina rubrinervia is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, typically reaching a mean plant height of 7 m, though it can attain a maximum height of up to 8 m. As a terrestrial species, it is neither aquatic nor an epiphyte, growing independently in its environment without parasitic or hemi-epiphytic tendencies. The plant is strictly self-supporting in its structure, lacking any climbing or vining habits, and maintains a robust, independent growth habit.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

8 m

Plant height mean:

7 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Erythrina rubra is characterized by a complex metabolic synergy between its vegetative structures and specialized symbiotic relationships within the root system. As a nitrogen fixer, the plant engages in a highly efficient biological nitrogen fixation process facilitated by a symbiotic association with Rhizobium bacteria housed within specialized root nodules. This physiological mechanism allows the plant to convert atmospheric nitrogen into ammonia, providing a critical internal source of nutrients that supports rapid growth and the synthesis of nitrogen-rich proteins and alkaloids. This ability to enhance soil fertility through nitrogen input is complemented by its robust photosynthetic pathways, which drive the production of carbohydrates necessary for maintaining its dense woody biomass and the energetic demands of its flowering cycles. Through this integrated nitrogen-fixing capability, the plant maintains metabolic homeostasis even in nutrient-poor soils, ensuring continuous physiological activity and structural development.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Erythrina rubrinervia has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Lectin.

Lectin

1. Journal of molecular biology