In a previous issue, on Plate 59, we figured the Kaffir Boom (Erythrina caffra), from which the present species differs in being of a dwarf habit and having the nerves of the leaves and petioles covered with prickles. It is a common plant on the slopes of the Drakensberg in Natal, extending southward to Grahamstown, and during the summer months the bright red flowers are very conspicuous in the veld. The leaves of this species, as well as those of E. caffra, are attacked by a gall-producing insect, and the seeds are attacked by insects to such an extent that it is difficult to find ripe seed.
The species has been known to cultivators in Europe for over 100 years, and was figured in the Botanical Magazine as early as 1823. It is a very handsome shrub which stands from 4 to 8 ft. high, and is well worth cultivation.
Description:—An erect shrub ·9 to 3 m. high. Stem and branches terete, ashen-grey, prickly. Leaves pinnately trifoliate, 5 to 7·5 cm. long and wide, broadly ovate, gradually narrowing to an acute apex, occasionally very much attenuated and 3-veined at the base; the terminal leaflet similar but smaller and broader in proportion to its length; the midribs of all usually bearing prickles; stipule 6 mm. long, oblong, acute; stipellae glandular. Petiole 5 to 7·5 cm. long, with scattered broad-based prickles along its whole length. Peduncle 30 to 40 cm. long, terete, bearing flowers in the upper half. Flowers crowded. Calyx 5-toothed, 1 cm. long, pubescent; tube subcylindric; teeth acute. Vexillum 3·7 cm. long, oblong; alae 1 cm. long, oblong; carina 1·1 cm. long, ovate. Ovary many-ovuled, tipped with the persistent style. Legume 7·5 to 12·5 cm. long, 2-to 5-seeded, torulose with wide spaces between the seeds.
[Plate 112.]—Fig. 1, leaf and raceme, natural size; 2, calyx, twice natural size; 3, vexillum; 4, wing; 5, keel; 6, stamens; 7, pistil; 8, pod; 9, portion of branch, much reduced.
F.P.S.A., 1923.
S. Gower del.