Erythrina corallodendron

The largest of the Erythrina species. Erythrina corallodendron is characterized that is mostly smooth and light brown that develops a delicate texture in darker shades that gives it a striped look. Its leaves are relatively large, 20 cm long and about 7 cm wide with a slight tendency to be heart-shaped. The leaves are pinnate with three leaflets, and the central is the widest. Like other Erythrina species, it is famous for its impressive flowering, and perhaps the most impressive of them all: bright orange-red clusters whose shades vary slightly from tree to tree because of its propagation from seeds. The tree’s attractive flowers appear at the end of winter and beginning of spring, and they last about three weeks. The tree has fruit: pods with red seeds. Erythrina species are characterized by spikes on the trunk and branches and their sensitivity to cold. Prolonged or extreme cold can even kill it. However, they excel in hot, arid regions. They are not suitable for saline or chalky soils. It will especially thrive in heavy soils, where it will grow very quickly and reach optimal dimensions. It needs auxiliary watering until it is acclimatized and afterwards it requires minimal watering. E. corallodendron’s roots are thick and invasive, spreading over the ground as well. Therefore, it is not recommended near sidewalks, buildings or plumbing. It will be very suitable as a centerpiece and as a shade tree in large gardens, parks, boulevards, etc.

Others in the same family: Erythrina indica | Erythrina crista-galli | Erythrina