3 Glorious Coral Trees Blooming In August

Erythrinas or coral trees are amongst the most colourful and spectacular of our indigenous flowering trees, their vibrant blooms dominating the landscape during late winter and early spring both in the wild and in suburban gardens. The nectarrich flowers are frequented by birds in a wide array of different species, adding to the allure of these magnificent trees. Hybrids and colour variants add to the range found in gardens. Erythrinas propagate easily from seed, cuttings or large truncheons.

Erythrina lysistemon (common coral tree) This tree is of lesser stature than the coastal coral tree, reaching 3-10 metres in height at maturity. It is usually found growing in drier areas than E. caffra and has a wider distribution range. Trees have a broad or wide trunk covered in grey bark, sometimes with occasional hooked thorns. The leaves are trifoliate (have three leaflets), while the leaf stalks and the main vein have small prickles on them. Bright red tubular flowers are produced from June to October in terminal clusters. Shiny red seeds are dispersed during summer and are used as lucky charms. This is a fantastic bird-attracting tree for the garden.