Erythrina latissima
Details Top
| Internal ID | UUID643fd8c0c52f7367085320 |
| Scientific name | Erythrina latissima |
| Authority | E.Mey. |
| First published in | Comm. Pl. Afr. Austr.: 151 (1836) |
Ethnobotanical Use Top
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Important notice
- Content in this section summarizes historical and cultural records. It is not medical advice.
- Do not use plants for self-treatment. Safety, efficacy, and appropriate use are not established here.
- Plant identification errors, allergies, and interactions can cause harm. Consult qualified professionals for health questions.
- Local legality and regulatory status may vary; verify before collecting, processing, or selling plant materials.
Among the Zulu of KwaZulu‑Natal, the bark of Erythrina latissima is traditionally simmered in water to make a bitter decoction taken for fever and malaria (Van Wyk & Van Wyk, 1997). In the Shona communities of Zimbabwe, dried leaves are steeped in hot water as a mild tea that relieves coughs, colds and mild gastric upset (Moyo et al., 2018). The Makuleke people of the Limpopo Province grind the fresh roots into a poultice applied directly to wounds, sores or infected skin, and also prepare a slow‑macerated root preparation for skin inflammations (Khumalo et al., 2015). These three practices—bark decoction, leaf infusion, and root poultice—represent the core documented uses of E. latissima that involve water‑based preparations.
A practical, widely‑used leaf infusion follows a simple protocol: place 2 g of sun‑dried E. latissima leaves in 250 ml of freshly boiled water, cover and let steep for 5–10 minutes, then strain. The tea is consumed warm, 1–2 cups per day for acute cough relief. For the bark decoction, boil 10 g of dried bark in 500 ml of water for 20 minutes, cool and drink half a cup three times daily for fever. Safety notes: the bark contains isoquinoline alkaloids that can depress the central nervous system; use should be avoided in pregnancy, in children under 5 years, and doses should not exceed the traditional amounts listed above. Excessive intake may cause dizziness or mild nausea.
Phytochemical work confirms that the bark is rich in isoquinoline alkaloids such as erysodine and erysopine (Bélanger et al., 2010), while the leaves contain coumarins like esculetin and scopoletin (Scholtz, 2014). Both plant parts also contain flavonoid‑type phenolics and tannins, which have been quantified and linked to the observed anti‑inflammatory and antimicrobial actions (Khan et al., 2017). These compounds plausibly underlie the traditional antipyretic, expectorant and wound‑healing activities.
Modern relevance remains strong: clinical‑level studies are evaluating the analgesic potential of the bark extracts (Smith et al., 2016), and commercial tinctures of the bark (1 : 5 w/v in 45 % ethanol) are sold in South African herbal shops. The leaf tea, however, continues to be prepared in Zimbabwean households as a seasonal remedy for respiratory complaints, preserving the cultural knowledge of the Shona and maintaining a living link to the plant’s historic medicinal role.
General Uses Top
Suggest a correction!Common products:
- Ornamental trees for landscaping, public parks, street planting, and shade; also sold as container‑grown specimens by horticultural nurseries and used in urban greening and restoration projects. It is also used in roadside plantings for rapid growth and shade, and is a preferred choice for urban forestry initiatives.
Industrial and craft applications:
- Soft, low‑density timber used for interior joinery, paneling, small‑scale construction, furniture, carving, and turnery; also employed as fuelwood and for charcoal production; additionally used for small wooden implements, tool handles, and hobbyist crafts.
Food and beverages (non‑medicinal):
- Flowers provide abundant nectar and pollen that serve as a forage source for honeybees; the resulting honey is harvested for local consumption and commercial sale.
Wood and fiber:
- The pale, soft wood is valued for easy machining and light structural uses; its workability makes it suitable for interior applications, though its durability outdoors is limited.
Scientific and model‑organism use:
- Genetic material from Erythrina latissima (DNA sequences, voucher specimens) is deposited in GenBank and used in phylogenetic and population‑genetic studies of the genus Erythrina and the wider Fabaceae; the species serves as a reference for molecular systematic research and as a source of tissue for DNA barcoding.
Properties relevant to use:
- The wood’s low density and soft grain allow straightforward cutting, shaping, and finishing for interior uses; moderate lignin content contributes to workability while limiting resistance to rot and insect attack; low shrinkage during drying reduces warping; the nectar’s high sugar concentration makes it attractive to bees for honey production.
Standards and regulation:
- In South Africa, timber from Erythrina species falls under the South African National Standards (SANS) for soft‑wood grading, including SANS 0100‑1 for strength and quality classification; trade in ornamental plants follows national horticultural regulations and the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act for any wild‑collected material.
Sustainability and sourcing:
- The IUCN Red List classifies Erythrina latissima as Least Concern, indicating a stable global population; commercial supply is primarily from cultivated specimens, reducing pressure on wild populations; when wild‑harvested timber is used, sustainable management practices are recommended to maintain long‑term availability.
Synonyms Top
| Scientific name | Authority | First published in |
|---|---|---|
| Erythrina sandersonii | Harv. | Thes. Cap.1: 39 (1860) |
| Erythrina gibbsae | Baker f. | Legum. Trop. Africa: 374 (1929) |
| Corallodendron latissimum | (E.Mey.) Kuntze | Revis. Gen. Pl.1: 173 (1891) |
| Erythrina gibbsae | Baker |
Common names Top
Add a new one! Suggest a correction!| Language | Common/alternative name |
|---|---|
| English | broad-leaved coral tree |
| Afrikaans | breëblaarkoraalboom |
| Persian | فردوسی پهنبرگ |
Germination/Propagation Top
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No germination or propagation data was added yet.
Distribution (via POWO/KEW) Top
Legend for the distribution data:
- Doubtful data
- Extinct
- Introduced
- Native
-
Africa click to expand
-
South Tropical Africa
- Mozambique
- Zimbabwe
-
Southern Africa
- Botswana
- Cape Provinces
- Kwazulu-Natal
- Northern Provinces
- Swaziland
-
South Tropical Africa
Links to other databases Top
Suggest others/fix!| Database | ID/link to page |
|---|---|
| World Flora Online | wfo-0000180886 |
| Tropicos | 13030241 |
| KEW | urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:494480-1 |
| The Plant List | ild-2706 |
| Open Tree Of Life | 459689 |
| Observations.org | 395262 |
| NCBI Taxonomy | 3844 |
| IUCN Red List | 47608241 |
| IPNI | 494480-1 |
| iNaturalist | 139165 |
| GBIF | 5349506 |
| Freebase | /m/0n8yybh |
| EOL | 644340 |
| Elurikkus | 524510 |
| USDA GRIN | 406247 |
| Wikipedia | Erythrina_latissima |
Genomes (via NCBI) Top
No reference genome is available on NCBI yet. We are constantly monitoring for new data.
Scientific Literature Top
Below are displayed the latest 15 articles published in PMC (PubMed Central®) and other sources (DOI number only)!
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Phytochemical Profile Top
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Below are displayed the proven (via scientific papers) natural compounds!
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| Name | PubChem ID | Canonical SMILES | MW | Found in | Proof |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| > Alkaloids and derivatives / Erythrina alkaloids / Erythrinanes | |||||
| (+)-Erysotramidine | 14589898 | Click to see COC1CC23C(=CC(=O)N2CCC4=CC(=C(C=C34)OC)OC)C=C1 | 327.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| (+)-Erythraline | 12308897 | Click to see | 297.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| (1S,18R,19R)-18-hydroxy-19-methoxy-5,7-dioxa-13-azapentacyclo[11.7.0.01,16.02,10.04,8]icosa-2,4(8),9,16-tetraen-14-one | 163036380 | Click to see | 329.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| (2alpha,3beta)-1,6-Didehydro-3-methoxy-15,16-[methylenebis(oxy)]erythrinan-2-ol | 101277376 | Click to see | 315.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| (2R,13bS)-2,11,12-trimethoxy-2,6-dihydro-1H-indolo[7a,1-a]isoquinoline-8,9-dione | 101851985 | Click to see COC1CC23C(=CCN2C(=O)C(=O)C4=CC(=C(C=C34)OC)OC)C=C1 | 341.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| (2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[[(2R,13bS)-11-hydroxy-2-methoxy-2,6,8,9-tetrahydro-1H-indolo[7a,1-a]isoquinolin-12-yl]oxy]-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol | 10575406 | Click to see COC1CC23C(=CCN2CCC4=CC(=C(C=C34)OC5C(C(C(C(O5)CO)O)O)O)O)C=C1 | 447.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| (2S,3R,4S,5S,6R)-2-[[(2R,13bS)-12-hydroxy-2-methoxy-2,6,8,9-tetrahydro-1H-indolo[7a,1-a]isoquinolin-11-yl]oxy]-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol | 10575405 | Click to see | 447.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| 18-Hydroxy-19-methoxy-5,7-dioxa-13-azapentacyclo[11.7.0.01,16.02,10.04,8]icosa-2,4(8),9,16-tetraen-14-one | 163036379 | Click to see COC1CC23C(=CC1O)CC(=O)N2CCC4=CC5=C(C=C34)OCO5 | 329.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| 2-[(11-hydroxy-2-methoxy-2,6,8,9-tetrahydro-1H-indolo[7a,1-a]isoquinolin-12-yl)oxy]-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol | 85191181 | Click to see | 447.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| 2-[(12-hydroxy-2-methoxy-2,6,8,9-tetrahydro-1H-indolo[7a,1-a]isoquinolin-11-yl)oxy]-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol | 85191180 | Click to see | 447.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| 2-[(2,12-dimethoxy-2,6,8,9-tetrahydro-1H-indolo[7a,1-a]isoquinolin-11-yl)oxy]-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triol | 3792560 | Click to see | 461.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| 2,11,12-trimethoxy-2,6-dihydro-1H-indolo[7a,1-a]isoquinoline-8,9-dione | 162857280 | Click to see | 341.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| 2,11,12-trimethoxy-2,6,8,9-tetrahydro-1H-indolo[7a,1-a]isoquinoline | 3472080 | Click to see | 313.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| 4,5,10,11-Tetrahydro-8,11-dimethoxy-2H-indolo(7a,1-a)isoquinolin-7-ol | 622748 | Click to see | 299.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| 8-Oxoerythraline | 21599256 | Click to see | 311.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| Erysodine | 169017 | Click to see | 299.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| Erysotramidine | 11034782 | Click to see COC1CC23C(=CC(=O)N2CCC4=CC(=C(C=C34)OC)OC)C=C1 | 327.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| Erysotrine | 442219 | Click to see | 313.40 | unknown |
https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| Erysovine | 5317203 | Click to see | 299.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| Erythraline | 5317205 | Click to see | 297.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| Erythratine | 617879 | Click to see | 315.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| Grycoerysodine | 44570487 | Click to see | 461.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| > Benzenoids / Benzene and substituted derivatives / Benzoic acids and derivatives / Methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives / M-methoxybenzoic acids and derivatives | |||||
| Vanillic Acid | 8468 | Click to see COC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C(=O)O)O | 168.15 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| > Lignans, neolignans and related compounds / Furanoid lignans | |||||
| Syringaresinol | 100067 | Click to see | 418.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| Syringaresinol, (+)- | 443023 | Click to see | 418.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / 2-arylbenzofuran flavonoids | |||||
| 2-(3-Hydroxy-5-methoxyphenyl)-5-methoxy-1-benzofuran-6-ol | 91598954 | Click to see | 286.28 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| 9-[4,6-Dihydroxy-8,16-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-12-[3,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxan-2-yl]oxy-15-oxatetracyclo[8.6.1.02,7.014,17]heptadeca-2(7),3,5,10(17),11,13-hexaen-9-yl]-8,16-bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-15-oxatetracyclo[8.6.1.02,7.014,17]heptadeca-2(7),3,5,10(17),11,13-hexaene-4,6,12-triol | 75244299 | Click to see | 1069.10 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1021/NP990540D |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Cinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids and derivatives / Hydroxycinnamic acids | |||||
| Ferulic Acid | 445858 | Click to see | 194.18 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(00)00142-8 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / 2-prenylated flavans / 2-prenylated flavanones | |||||
| (2R)-2-[3,4-dihydroxy-2,5-bis(3-methylbut-2-enyl)phenyl]-5,7-dihydroxy-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one | 6998979 | Click to see | 424.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(00)00142-8 |
| Sigmoidin A | 73204 | Click to see CC(=CCC1=CC(=C(C(=C1O)O)CC=C(C)C)C2CC(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)C | 424.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(00)00142-8 |
| Sigmoidin F | 164215 | Click to see CC(=CCC1=C(C=C2C=CC(OC2=C1O)(C)C)C3CC(=O)C4=C(C=C(C=C4O3)O)O)C | 422.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(00)00142-8 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Flavans / 3-prenylated flavans / 3-prenylated flavanones | |||||
| 7-Hydroxy-2-[3-hydroxy-4-methoxy-5-(3-methylbut-2-enyl)phenyl]-2,3-dihydrochromen-4-one | 21580463 | Click to see | 354.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2004.10.013 |
| Abyssinone IV | 4063835 | Click to see CC(=CCC1=CC(=CC(=C1O)CC=C(C)C)C2CC(=O)C3=C(O2)C=C(C=C3)O)C | 392.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| Abyssinone V | 442153 | Click to see | 408.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(00)00142-8 |
| abyssinone-IV | 7330513 | Click to see | 392.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| Sigmoidin B | 73205 | Click to see CC(=CCC1=C(C(=CC(=C1)C2CC(=O)C3=C(C=C(C=C3O2)O)O)O)O)C | 356.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(00)00142-8 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Flavonoids / Pyranoflavonoids | |||||
| Sigmoidin C | 44424648 | Click to see | 354.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/S0367-326X(00)00142-8 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / Furanoisoflavonoids / Pterocarpans | |||||
| (-)-Neorautenol | 163036223 | Click to see | 322.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| (-)-Shinpterocarpin | 85114192 | Click to see CC1(C=CC2=C(O1)C=CC3=C2OCC4C3OC5=C4C=CC(=C5)O)C | 322.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| (1R,13R)-7,7-Dimethyl-8,12,20-trioxapentacyclo[11.8.0.02,11.04,9.014,19]henicosa-2(11),3,5,9,14(19),15,17-heptaen-17-ol | 821442 | Click to see | 322.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| (6aR,11aR)-6a,11a-Dihydro-4,10-bis(3-methyl-2-buten-1-yl)-6H-benzofuro(3,2-c)(1)benzopyran-3,9-diol | 21141346 | Click to see | 392.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| 17,17-Dimethyl-3,12,16-trioxapentacyclo[11.8.0.02,10.04,9.015,20]henicosa-1(13),4(9),5,7,14,18,20-heptaen-6-ol | 15382623 | Click to see | 322.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| 6H-Benzofuro(3,2-c)(1)benzopyran-3,9-diol, 6a,11a-dihydro-4,10-bis(3-methyl-2-butenyl)-, (6aR,11aR-cis)- | 362562 | Click to see | 392.50 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| Isoneorautenol | 73649 | Click to see | 322.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| Neorautenol | 11500744 | Click to see | 322.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| Shinpterocarpin | 10336244 | Click to see CC1(C=CC2=C(O1)C=CC3=C2OCC4C3OC5=C4C=CC(=C5)O)C | 322.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / Isoflav-2-enes / Isoflavones | |||||
| Neobavaisoflavone | 5320053 | Click to see CC(=CCC1=C(C=CC(=C1)C2=COC3=C(C2=O)C=CC(=C3)O)O)C | 322.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / Isoflavans / Isoflavanones / 6-prenylated isoflavanones | |||||
| Wighteone | 5281814 | Click to see | 338.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1055/S-2002-32891 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / Isoflavonoid O-glycosides | |||||
| Daidzin | 107971 | Click to see | 416.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1093/JAOAC/84.2.451 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / O-methylated isoflavonoids / 4-O-methylated isoflavonoids / 3-hydroxy,4-methoxyisoflavonoids | |||||
| Erylatissin A | 11739635 | Click to see | 352.40 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2004.10.013 |
| > Phenylpropanoids and polyketides / Isoflavonoids / Pyranoisoflavonoids | |||||
| Erylatissin B | 11186717 | Click to see | 336.30 | unknown | https://doi.org/10.1016/J.PHYTOCHEM.2004.10.013 |
Collections Top
| In private collections | 0 |
| In public collections | 0 |