THE CROOKES BLOCK TREE
Read below for details of the
tree you must have passed very often.
Old Boys: maybe you have some stories associated with this tree? If so, then let
Dave White
have them to add to this article.
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WHAT'S IN THE NAME? |
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The common English name for this tree is the LARGE-LEAVED CORAL TREE. The scientific name Erythrina latissima comes from the Greek 'erythros' meaning red (referring to the colour of the flowers) and 'latissima' meaning very broad, referring to the very large leaves.
The photograph here shows the size of a single leaf. Note that the leaf is a compound leaf which is divided into three leaflets (ie. it is trifoliate). There are three different species of Erythrina growing on the Hilton Estate. The leaf of another species of Erythrina is the emblem of the Wilderness Leadership School. |
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WARTS OR WHAT? |
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Have you seen these swellings on the leaves of this tree? These are known as 'galls' and they are formed by a certain species of wasp. The wasps lay their eggs in the leaf tissue. When the eggs hatch, the larvae start to make a special chemical substance which causes this abnormal growth of the plant tissue. The swelling which results then provides extra food (the larvae feed on plant material) and shelter for the larvae. The larvae will eventually pupate and then form adult wasps, which make their way out of the gall to breed. |
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DEADLY SEEDS? |
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The seeds of these trees contain a poison (toxin) which, if taken in a
concentrated form, could lead to paralysis or even death! However, there are no records of any people being severely poisoned. If you were to swallow a seed or two, you will not be affected very much because the seeds will pass through your system too fast for enough poison to be absorbed. DON'T TRY IT! The poison has been used medicinally because it has a muscle relaxing effect, in small quantities. |
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FRUIT OR POD? |
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Strictly speaking, the pods are the fruits of this tree because they are
formed from the ovary walls of the female part of the flower. This is
the biological definition of 'fruit'. It does not have to be sweet and
succulent to be classified as a fruit. This picture shows the pod opening to reveal the seeds (ready to be dispersed).
Can you see that this tree is part of the same family as the peas, beans, and acacias? This type of pod is called a legume, and all these plants belong to the Legume family. |
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WHAT'S THE SCAR? |
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Have you seen the
large scar in the tree trunk? This is where a large branch was broken off the tree by a passing bus/truck. Note that the wound was filled with cement to prevent infection by fungi. |
| ON THE ESTATE | |
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These trees are found growing on the north-facing slopes of the Teapots Valley. This is because they are sensitive to frost and the north-facing slopes are generally the warmer slopes. It is, therefore, unusual to find one growing so well on the school grounds. Perhaps this one is well protected from the frost by the building itself? |
SOME INTERESTING USES OF THIS TREE
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