Erythrina abyssinica fruit pod

One fruit pod was seen on this Erythrina abyssinica tree growing in the Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden in January.

The woody pod may be up to 10 cm long, carrying more seeds than the one in picture, although the pronounced constrictions around the seeds that show them off boldly, are still present. The pod surface is pale brown from its furry covering, its tip arched, beak-like. The pods are dehiscent.

The seeds are commonly used in making traditional jewellery, like bracelets and necklaces. Some moths and butterflies use the seeds as larval food. Seed colour is red with a black spot at the point of attachment. One could safely swallow one of these seed, should the need ever arise, but beware of injecting its poison into the bloodstream!

The common name, lucky bean tree, is also used for this Erythrina; noticeable seeds borne by so many of them.

The red flowers preceding the fruits grow in erect inflorescences; sturdy axillary and terminal racemes usually arriving before the leaves. The flowers are scarlet, the standard petals enclosing the stamens (Coates Palgrave, 2002; Van Wyk and Van Wyk, 1997; www.zimbabweflora.co.zw).