Erythrina CAFFRA

Erythrina CAFFRA - Coast coral tree, Coral tree.

A rare indoor houseplant.

Can be trained as bonsai!

Erythrina is a genus of semi-deciduous shrubs and trees in the legume family (Fabaceae), encompassing approximately 130 species. The plant is native to South Africa and is currently found in subtropical and tropical regions. It has achieved the greatest distribution in Eastern Bolivia, Africa, Argentina, Malaysia, Brazil, and Uruguay. Both original forms and all kinds of hybrids are cultivated.

Members of the genus are broad-crowned shrubs and trees capable of growing from 0.8 to 30 m (2.6 to 98 ft) in height. In a mild climate, Erythrina can retain leaves, and in cool conditions shed them. Stems are often covered with long, sharp spines. Leaves are green, smooth, compound, each consisting of 3 oblong-elliptic leaflets 8-12 cm (3.1-4.7 in) long, slightly folded along the central vein. Most species bear large salmon-colored or red flowers gathered in terminal racemes. In some species, flowers may be white, purple, green, yellow, or pink. Variegated cultivars exist, distinguished by contrasting veins.

Flowering often occurs even before the appearance of leaves. After flowering, large woody curved pods up to 15 cm (5.9 in) form, containing one or several rounded pea-like seeds. The pubescent valves of the multi-seeded pod are flattened between the seeds. Upon opening, seeds can be carried by sea, for which they are called "sea beans". Erythrinas are highly ornamental, bloom long and profusely, and are prized for their magnificent flowers of whimsical shapes in attractive inflorescences.

Erythrina caffra is a plant with leathery, greenish trifoliate leaves with rhombic pointed stipules, the leaflet surface being glossy. The trunk and branches are covered with broad flat prickly prickles. At a young age, inflorescences are scarlet; over time they become purple. Maximum height is 4 m (13.1 ft). This species is particularly widespread in Brazil.

Propagated by seeds and cuttings. Seeds have a high germination rate and retain viability for several years. Prior to sowing, scarification and soaking for 24 hours are recommended. Then seeds are sown into loose substrate to a depth of 0.5-1 cm (0.2-0.4 in), moistened with a spray bottle, covered with plastic film, and germinated at 22-25 °C (72-77 °F) in indirect light. Regular ventilation is necessary; desiccation and waterlogging should be avoided.

Sprouts appear within 10-20 days. The maximum germination period can exceed 40 days. After sprouts emerge, the cover is gradually removed, and pricking out is performed upon appearance of the first true leaf. Young plants require bright lighting and careful watering.

© Greeniverse. All rights reserved.

During the warm season, the plant can be grown as a container garden crop, and kept indoors during winter. In mild climates, planting in open ground with winter protection and pruning is permissible. In temperate climates, it is grown as a houseplant or balcony plant.

It prefers sunny, warm, wind-sheltered locations. In summer, the plant can be kept outdoors, and during the winter period - in a cool room. Minimum winter keeping temperature is about 7 °C (45 °F). At this time watering is minimal; in spring, the plant is moved to warmth and returned to its normal care regimen.

A daylight period of at least 9 hours is required for flowering. Summer temperature is 24-26 °C (75-79 °F). Watering is regular during the warm season, and infrequent in winter. Fertilizing during growth and blooming is given every 2 weeks, especially with phosphorus-potassium fertilizers. Shoot pinching is possible in spring. It is wonderfully suited for growing in bonsai style.