DISTRIBUTION
A deciduous savannah species suitable for a wide range of conditions. It is widespread in Tanzania in various habitats including open woodlands, forest clearings, grasslands, and lowland woodlands to 2000 m except in very dry or high altitude areas (RSCU 1992). E. abyssinica is found in Mbeya, Rukwa, Morogoro, Tabora, Arusha, the Coast and Kagera (Rulangaranga 1989).
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Minimum Altitude (m): |
60 |
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Maximum Altitude (m): |
2290 |
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Minimum Rainfall (mm): |
500 |
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Maximum Rainfall (mm): |
1500 |
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Minimum Temperature (C): |
15 |
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Maximum Temperature (C): |
25 |
REQUIREMENTS
Soil requirements: Occurs on a variety of soils from loams to clay loams. The tree prefers deep well-drained soils on plateaus and slopes (Egli and Kalinganire 1988).
Light Requirements: Moderately light demanding.
Influential Factors: Fairly fire and termite resistant (RSCU 1992). E. abyssinica can be grown only on frost free sites.
PROPAGATION
Means of Propagation: Seedlings, cuttings, direct sowing, coppice, suckers and truncheons, or, suckers and truncheons, or stems.
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Seeds per kg: |
6800 |
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Germination Rate (%): |
82 |
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Seed Sources: |
800 TSH per kg - Tanzania National Seed Centre 1991. |
Seed Treatments: Pods are 15 to 25 cm in length and should be collected as ripe fruits while still on the tree. Seeds are red with a black spot, and are contained in woody black pods. Seeds retain their viability for a long period, and may be stored indefinitely in cool, dry, insect free conditions. Seed does not require pretreatment. The seed of all Erythrina is poisonous.
Seedling Management: Low germination rates have been reported (RSCU 1992) but Egli reports a germination rate of 90% with fresh seeds (Egli and Kalinganire 1988). Direct sowing, seedlings and transplants have equal success. It has been noted that old trees coppice readily. Trees are easily propagated from large cuttings which is the most common method of reproduction (Teel 1984). Cuttings are stripped of leaves and planted directly at the beginning of the rainy season.
SILVICULTURE
Planting Types: Recommended for planting in higher areas as single shade trees, in rows, or to mark boundaries in cultivated areas. It can be planted near dwellings, by fields, swamps, roads, and watercourses. It is also recommended for live hedges.
Growth Factors: Moderately fast growing.
Management Systems: The tree is easily cultivated and tolerates pollarding and coppicing.
IMPORTANT USES
Use #1: MEDICINE
The bark of young stems is used to treat trachoma. It is also roasted and applied to burns and swellings. Powdered root is used for syphilis, anthrax, and snakebites (Rulangaranga 1989).
Use #2: GENERAL PURPOSE WOOD The wood is light (495 kg per m3), easy to work, but is not durable and is liable to attack by insects and fungi (Egli and Kalinganire 1988). It was reported that beehives, drums, crafts, toys, necklaces, and domestic items such as spoons are made from the wood.
Use #3: LAND IMPROVEMENT
It is widely recognized as an ornamental and shade tree. It is nitrogen fixing, its leaves are used for mulch, and it is known for conserving soil.
OTHER USES: Honey bees are also attracted by the flowers.
NOTES
It is protected by farmers and left standing when land is cleared for agriculture, indicating that it is highly valued.
