Erythrina caffra (Coral tree)
Erythrina caffra is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree. It forms a round-headed, spreading canopy and has a beautifully light green appearance when in leaf are new. After it drops the leaves the dark red flowers appear. Bark showing thorns. Erythrina caffra should be planted in sunny places in well-drained soil. It can tolerate quite moist soils as it often grows on the banks of rivers and streams. The trees will also put up with dry conditions and poor soils; however, they do not respond well to excessively cold conditions.
- Landscape Information
- Botanical Description
- Horticulture Management
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By Aya Hamze
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By Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
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By Aya Hamze
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Pronunciation: air-rith-RYE-nuh KAFF-ree
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Plant type: Tree
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Origin: Africa
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Hardiness Zones: 10 to 11
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Uses: Specimen, Shade
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Size/Shape
Growth Rate: Fast
Tree Shape: Round, Spreading
Canopy Symmetry: Irregular
Canopy Density: Dense
Canopy Texture: Medium
Height at Maturity: 8 to 15 m
Spread at Maturity: 8 to 10 meters
Time to Ultimate Height: 10 to 20 Years
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Foliage
Leaf Arrangement : Alternate
Leaf Venation: Pinnate
Leaf Persistance: Deciduous
Leaf Type: Trifoliate
Leaf Blade: 5 - 10 cm
Leaf Shape: Ovate
Leaf Margins: Entire
Leaf Texture: Medium
Leaf Scent: No Fragance
Color(growing season): Green
Color(changing season): Brown
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Flower
Flower Size Range: 7 - 10
Flower Type: Solitary
Flower Sexuality: Monoecious (Bisexual)
Flower Scent: No Fragance
Flower Color: Red
Seasons: Winter
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Trunk
Trunk Susceptibility to Breakage: Generally resists breakage
Number of Trunks: Multi-Trunked
Trunk esthetic Values: Showy, Rough Texture
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Fruit
Fruit Type: Legume
Fruit Size Range: 3 - 7
Fruit Color: Brown
Seasons: Winter
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Tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Yes
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
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Requirements
Soil Requirements: Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil Ph Requirements: Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
Light Requirements: Full
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Management
Pruning Requirements: Needed, to develop a strong structure
Fruit/ Leaves/ Flowers litter: No
Surface Rooting: Yes
Life Span: 25-50 years
Edible Parts: None
Plant Propagation: Seed, Cutting