Park of Monserrate welcomes a new Erythrina crista-galli tree

At the Park of Monserrate, near the Tea House, a new specimen of Erythrina crista-galli has been planted. This tree replaces another of the same species that had reached the end of its life cycle, notably due to the pest Agrotis ípsilon, commonly known as the cutworm.

As part of the regular monitoring of the botanical collections carried out by Parques de Sintra at the Park of Monserrate, the first signs of decline in the vegetative vigour of the previous Erythrina crista-galli were recorded in 2018, with the presence of dead branches, which were gradually removed. Later, signs of the pest Agrotis ípsilon were identified. Its larval stages, found in beetles, moths and butterflies, are not visible on the aerial parts of the plants.

Cutworm larvae are highly voracious and destructive to the plants they infest. They bore tunnels in the plant’s storage organs, where they deposit waste and reproduce. Adult beetles also cause significant damage by feeding on leaves and shoots, while moths and butterflies generally have a short lifespan. Beyond the direct harm to the tree, cutworms facilitate the entry of microorganisms such as fungi, bacteria and viruses, as well as secondary insects capable of causing further damage. Many of them also act as vectors for nematodes, a type of worm.

The Erythrina crista-galli that stood near the Tea House had extensive internal tunnels, meaning it was hollow, weakened and at risk of breaking. Therefore, it was necessary to replace it with a new specimen to ensure the safety of people and property while maintaining the botanical richness that characterises the Park of Monserrate. The park’s conservation and safeguarding is a daily effort, which also involves the Monserrate greenhouse.

The newly planted tree was acquired by Parques de Sintra in 2018 and underwent a period of acclimatisation and monitored growth in the Monserrate greenhouse until 15 December, when it was pruned to ensure successful planting. In this facility, plants are propagated and cultivated to replace unique or emblematic specimens in the park's botanical collection, such as araucarias, palms, Ginkgo biloba and Agathis robusta. The greenhouse also produces around five thousand seasonal flowering plants annually for the gardens.

Also known as swamp cork tree, coral tree, cock’s comb, parrot’s beak, Jew’s slipper, coral flower, sanandu or sananduva, Erythrina crista-galli is a legume native to South America. It thrives in humid environments such as riverside forests and floodplains. Frequently used in urban landscaping for its vibrant red flowers, the branches and leaves of this species also have medicinal properties.