Erythrina zeyheri

Erythrina zeyheri also goes by the name prickly cardinal. It belongs to Fabaceae, the pea family. This small shrub sheds its leaves and comes from southern Africa. It grows in Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho and eastern South Africa. Its sites include grassland and woods. It also grows in grassland with scattered trees. It forms colonies in damp, low-lying ground as well. These sites often have clay soil, though some have sand.

Much of the plant lies out of sight below ground. A large, woody rootstock stores food for each year's growth. Short woody stems stay above the soil. New shoots spread along the ground or grow partway upright. They reach about 1–2 feet [0.3–0.6 metres] each year. Published heights range from 1.6–3.3 feet [0.5–1 metre]. In winter, shoots die back to the woody stems. The plant sheds its leaves too.

Plants For A Future gives July to September as flowering time. Fresh growth can bloom in late summer where gardens get frost. Plants grown from seed take three to four years to flower. The flowers have both male and female parts. Useful Tropical Plants lists it as self-fertile. This means it can set seed with its own pollen. Insects and birds pollinate the flowers. Gardeners grow it for its looks, including at sunny woodland edges.

Give this shrub full sun and soil that drains well. It needs soil with a moderate level of nutrients. It prefers moist ground. Once plants take root, they can cope with drought. It accepts sand, loam and clay soils. Soil can be mildly acid, neutral or mildly alkaline. A wall that gives shelter helps protect it in cool gardens. Frost can kill shoots but leave the rootstock alive. Only the mildest parts of Britain suit outdoor trials. Thick organic mulch helps protect the stem bases in winter. Plants For A Future lists USDA zones 8–11. This broad range does not remove the need for winter shelter.

Grow new plants from seeds or cuttings. Soak seeds in warm water for twelve hours before spring sowing. Keep young plants in a greenhouse for their first winter. Plant them outside once the risk of frost has passed. The species can fix nitrogen. Sources note local use as medicine, but no known edible use. Plants For A Future reports alkaloids that have narcotic effects. They also have strong laxative effects. These uses do not show that the plant is safe to ingest. The supplied accounts give no pest or disease details for this species.