| Common name: |
Coral tree |
|
| Botanical Name: |
Erythrina crista-galli |
| Family: |
Fabaceae |
| Foliage: |
The
branches are spiny and the leaves are leathery with
prickly stalks, 12in long, with triangular leaflets
up to 4in long. The longest leaflet is ovate-oblong
in shape. |
| Flowers: |
The
flowers are deep red, 5-6cm (2-2.5in) long The unusual
flowers are very attractive to hummingbirds. They
come in long spikes, and are reminiscent of sweet
peas. |
| Light: |
It
needs to be grown in full sun. |
| Temperature: |
Frost
hardy (down to -5ºC, 23ºF), or if covered
with a thick mulch down to -10ºC (14ºF). |
| Soil: |
It
can be grown in a wide range of soil types. Although
it prefers sandy loams, it will do wellin clay and
loam soils. It also is tolerant of a wide range
of soil pH, ranging from 4.5 to 8.0. It can do well
in nutrient-poor soil, as it fixes nitrogen. |
| Humidity: |
It
requires moist soil. |
| Watering: |
Regular watering is required for the plant. |
| Pest and Problems: |
The
plant is prone to two-spotted spider
mite and mealybug. |
| Growth habit: |
It
is a fast growing plant and grows up to 5-8 meters
tall. Plants take 3 - 4 years to flower from seed. |
| Fertilizing: |
Fertilizer
is rarely required, except in very infertile soils. |
| Pruning: |
Pruning
is required to be done for the tree to develop a
strong stem. |
| Propagation: |
Propagation
is done from seeds as well as from soft wood cuttings. |
| Special Care: |
No
special care is required for the plant. |
| Landscaping Utility: |
It
is planted as an ornamental tree. |
| Uses: |
Ornamental tree |
| Click
here to locate a nursery to buy this plant. |
