Erythrina velutina

Erythrina velutina
A few spiny branches with developing flowers on them. In the middle are five or more blowing flowers; they have an orange sac in the middle, surrounded by orange flower leaves, with a multitude of red strips on top.
Flower in Brisbane, Australia
Tree in Brisbane, Australia
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Erythrina
Species:
E. velutina
Binomial name
Erythrina velutina
Synonyms[1]
  • Chirocalyx velutinus Wallp.
  • Corallodendron velutinum (Willd.) Kuntze
  • Erythrina aculeatissima Desf.
  • Erythrina aurantica Ridl.
  • Erythrina splendida Diels

Erythrina velutina is a species of leguminous tree. It is indigenous to Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, and Hispaniola and has been introduced to much of the Caribbean, Uganda, and Sri Lanka. It also occurs on the Galápagos Islands, but whether it is indigenous or introduced there is unclear.[1] In Brazil, it occurs on plains and near rivers in the arid parts of the northeast of the country[2] and is commonly known as "mulungu".[3] Erythrina velutina grows as a large tree to around 10 m (30 ft) high and has short spines on the stem.[4] It is perennial.[1]

  1. ^ a b c LegumeWeb, 2010
  2. ^ Rabelo et al., 2001, p. 543
  3. ^ Dantas et al., 2004, p. 129
  4. ^ Fawcett and Rendle, 1920, p. 51