Erythrina CORALLOIDES

Erythrina CORALLOIDES - Naked 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 distributed throughout subtropical and tropical regions. It is most prevalent across eastern Bolivia, Africa, Argentina, Malaysia, Brazil, and Uruguay. Both natural species and various 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 mild climates Erythrina may retain its foliage, while in colder environments it sheds leaves. Stems are often armed with long, sharp prickles. Leaves are green, smooth, and trifoliate, each composed 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-pink or red flowers arranged in terminal racemes. In some species, flowers can be white, purple, green, yellow, or pink. Variegated cultivars with contrasting veins also exist.

Flowering often occurs before the leaves appear. Following bloom, large, woody, curved pods up to 15 cm (5.9 in) long develop, containing one or more rounded pea-like seeds. The pubescent valves of the many-seeded pod are constricted between seeds. After dehiscence, the buoyant seeds can be carried by ocean currents, earning them the nickname "sea beans". Coral trees are exceptionally ornamental, blooming abundantly over a long season and cherished for their magnificent, curiously sculpted blossoms in showy clusters.

Erythrina coralloides is a semi-deciduous small tree with three-lobed leaves featuring prominent stipules, and red, near-scarlet, tubular flowers gathered into racemes on a fleshy peduncle. Flowering lasts from late June through September. The flowers are virtually odorless.

Propagated by seed and cuttings. The seeds have a high emergence rate and retain their viability for several years. Prior to sowing, scarification and a 24-hour soak are recommended. Seeds are then planted in loose substrate to a depth of 0.5-1 cm (0.2-0.4 in), moistened with a spray mister, covered with film, and germinated at 22-25 °C (72-77 °F) in indirect light. Regular ventilation is required, avoiding both dryness and waterlogging.

Seedlings appear within 10-20 days. The maximum germination period may exceed 40 days. Once seedlings emerge, the covering is gradually removed, and pricking out is done upon the appearance of the first true leaf. Young plants require bright illumination and careful watering.

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During warm months, the plant can be cultivated as a potted garden tub specimen, moving indoors for winter. In mild zones, planting in open ground with protective shelter and pruning is permissible. Under temperate conditions, it is grown as a potted houseplant or patio container subject.

It prefers sunny, warm, wind-sheltered locations. In summer, the plant can stay outdoors, whereas in winter it should be kept in a cool room. The minimum winter temperature is around 7 °C (45 °F). Watering is kept to a minimum during this period; in spring, the plant is returned to warmer conditions and standard care resumed.

Flowering requires a photoperiod of at least 9 hours. Summer temperature should be 24-26 °C (75-79 °F). Watering is regular during warm weather, infrequent in winter. Fertilizer during active growth and flowering is provided every 2 weeks, emphasizing phosphorus and potassium formulations. In spring, shoot pinching can be practiced. It is exceptionally well-suited for training in bonsai style.