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Uses

Toxic parts

The plant contains alkaloids that have powerful narcotic and purgative effects[1].

Edible uses

There are no edible uses listed for Erythrina x bidwillii.

Material uses

There are no material uses listed for Erythrina x bidwillii.

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The plant is narcotic and purgative[1].

Unknown part

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nitrogen fixer

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame[1]. Overwinter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer.

Heeled cuttings of young growth in the spring in a frame[1]. Overwinter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Erythrina x bidwillii. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Requires a moderately fertile well-drained soil in a very sunny position[1]. Best if given the protection of an east, south or south-west facing wall[1].

Plants are not very hardy outdoors in Britain though the rootstock can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c provided the stem bases are thickly mulched with organic matter such as leaf litter or sawdust and covered with bracken[1]. The top growth will be killed by the frost but new growth from the rootstock will flower in late summer[1]. Plants take 3 - 4 years to flower from seed[1].

This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[1].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Erythrina x bidwillii. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Erythrina x bidwillii.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Erythrina x bidwillii
Genus
Erythrina
Family
Leguminosae
Imported References
Edible uses
Medicinal uses
Material uses & Functions
Botanic
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
8
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
Soil Texture
Soil Water Retention
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    Herbaceous or Woody
    Life Cycle
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type











    References

    1. ? 1.001.011.021.031.041.051.061.071.081.091.101.11 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)