Plate 59. 

 ERYTHKINA caffra. 

 Cape Province, Natal, Transvaal. 



Leguminosae. Tribe Phaseoleae. 

 Eeytheina, Linn. ; Benth. et Hook.f. Gen. Plant, vol. i. p. 531. 



Erythrina caffra, Thunb. Fl. Cap. p. 559 ; Fl. Caji. vol. ii. p. 236 ; 

 Wood, Natal Plants, pi. 542. 



This species is a common tree in the eastern parts of the 

 Cape Province and also in the coastal and midland districts 

 of Natal. The plant is known as the "Kaffir Boom," and to 

 children in Natal as " Cockie Doodles." The Zulu name for 

 the tree is " Umsini." 



The wood is very soft, and the only use to which it is put 

 is for fencing poles, as it easily takes root and is free from the 

 attack of termites. The scarlet seeds are strung as necklaces. 



In various parts of the country the tree may be seen in 

 cultivation, and when in full bloom the bright scarlet flowers 

 make it extremely ornamental. The tree is deciduous and 

 the flowers appear in spring while the plant is still leafless, 

 but occasionally leaves and flowers may be produced at the 

 same time. 



Our plate was prepared from material collected by Miss 

 K. A. Lansdell on the Berea, Durban, Natal. Specimens are 

 preserved in the National Herbarium, Pretoria (Herb. 

 No. 1455). 



Description :--A tree 6-17 m. high. Branches pale- 

 coloured, rugose, prickly, the prickles dark-coloured, up to 

 7 mm. or more long, broad at the base, usually a little curved, 

 very sharp. Leaves clustered near the ends of the twigs, 

 trifoliolate : common petiole up to 21 cm. long, unarmed ; 

 terminal leaflet 6*5—9 cm. long, 9-11 5 cm. broad, ovate or 

 sometimes sub 3-lobed, usually acuminate, more or less 

 cuneate at the base, glabrous with two small glands at the 

 base of the petiolule ; lateral leaflets 6*5—9 cm. long, 6*5—9 cm. 

 broad, similar in shape to the terminal leaflet, usually 



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