A Spectacular Coral Tree

Erythrina lysistemon.

- Graham Duncan

Erythrina is a group of striking deciduous shrubs or trees in the pea and bean family, Fabaceae. Generally known as coral trees, they are found in warm climates of the world. Nine species are represented in South Africa, ranging from the dwarf E. humeana (up to 4m tall) to the robust E. caffra, which can grow up to 18m in height. The genus name is derived from the Greek erythros (for ‘red’), which is descriptive of the red flowers produced by most species. Erythrinas have distinctive trifoliate leaves, usually spiky trunks and stems, and clusters of sickle shaped seed pods that are constricted between each of the shiny bright red, orange or brown seeds. One of the most spectacular species found in South Africa is E. lysistemon, the common coral tree, which is suited to both medium and large gardens.