PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; tolerates intense tropical sunlight but benefits from light afternoon shade in extreme heat
Watering
Drought-tolerant; water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top 15–20 cm of soil to dry completely between waterings
Temperature
Thrives in warm tropical and subtropical temperatures; sensitive to frost, with damage occurring below 10°C
Characteristics
- Leaf: Trifoliate, glossy bright green leaflets with rounded tips; drops foliage during dry seasons
- Flower: Dense clusters of pea-like orange-red flowers, 3–4 cm long, attractive to native pollinators
- Stem/Bark: Young trunks have sharp, curved spines; mature bark is gray, smooth to slightly fissured
Care Guide
Watering
Water deeply every 7–10 days; reduce frequency during prolonged dry dormancy periods
Fertilization
Apply diluted balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks during active growth. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote flowering rather than excessive foliage growth
Composted banana peel tea：Soak fully composted banana peels in water for 24 hours, dilute the mixture 1:20 with water, and apply as a root drench; avoid using raw peels to prevent pest infestationsPruning
- Remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches in late winter before new spring growth emerges
- Thin crowded inner branches to improve airflow and reduce fungal disease risk
- Trim back overgrown limbs to maintain a compact, desired shape; avoid heavy pruning during dormancy
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA: Toxic; ingestion may cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, and tremors
Humans: Contains erythrina alkaloids; ingestion of seeds or foliage causes nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Sacred in Hawaiian culture; used traditionally for canoe lashings, lei making, and ceremonial decorations
Usage: Ornamental landscape tree; nectar source for native Hawaiian pollinators like honeycreepers
