Coral Tree (Erythrina lysistemon)

🌱

☀️

Sunlight Thrives in full sun to partial shade; requires bright, direct sunlight for optimal flowering

💧

Watering Water deeply when the top 5–10 cm of soil dries out; tolerate short periods of drought

🌡️

Temperature Hardy to light frost; prefers warm subtropical climates; protect from temperatures below -2°C

🔍

Leaf: Trifoliate, glossy green leaflets with pointed tips; drop during dry dormant periods
Flower: Dense terminal clusters of bright coral-red, pea-shaped flowers
Stem/Bark: Grey-brown bark with paired sharp spines on young branches

🛠️

Watering

Keep soil evenly moist during active growth; avoid waterlogging

Fertilization

Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer once at budding. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive foliage growth at the expense of blooms

Banana peel compost tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours; dilute 1:20 for root drench to support flower development

Pruning

Remove dead or damaged branches immediately after flowering to maintain canopy shape
Trim back overgrown shoots to encourage compact, bushy growth
Remove suckers from the base to prevent overcrowding and conserve plant energy

⚠️

Warning: this plant may be toxic.

Pets & Humans

Pets: ASPCA-verified toxic; contains erythrina alkaloids that cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and potential tremors

Humans: Ingestion of seeds or foliage may cause mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea and abdominal pain

📖

Culture: Associated with good fortune in Southern African traditional practices; used in ceremonial garden plantings

Usage: Ornamental garden tree; provides nectar for birds and native pollinators