African Wildlife & Environment Issue 84 2023

GARDENING FOR BIODIVERSITY

During times of food scarcity Erythrina lysistemon seeds are a lifeline for Cape Parrots (Photograph: J Costello)

immatures, resembling minute scale insects, live in the ‘pits’ on the underside of the bumps but will not harm the tree. Because the wood of Erythrina trees is susceptible to borer and other beetles, it becomes a favourite haunt for Green Wood-Hoopoes (Red-billed Wood Hoopoes), as well as for woodpeckers which can often be heard ‘tapping’ at the bark for their meals. The wood is soft and brittle, making the tree an ideal neighbourhood for hole-nesting birds. Of all nest sites, it is holes that are in the shortest supply, due to

that you experiment! E. lysistemon seeds are eaten by Cape Parrots and are one of the food sources for these endangered birds in coastal areas, usually during summer, when there is less for them to eat in inland forests. These seeds are also enjoyed by Knysna Turacos (Knysna Louries). The stems of Erythrina species, and in some species the leaves, are covered in thorns that are not unlike those on rose bushes. Strange bumps, which often develop on the leaves of some species, are caused by tiny little flying insects called psyllids. The

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