Common Name: Coral Tree

General Information

Erythrina crista-galli is a spiny, deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow 6 - 10 metres tall. The crooked bole, which is covered in a corky bark, can be 30 - 40cm in diameter[].
The plant is sometimes gathered from the wild for local medicinal use. It is often cultivated as an ornamental in warm temperate to tropical areas[, , ].

Known Hazards

All Erythrina species contain greater or lesser amounts of toxic alkaloids - these can be found in all parts of the plant but are usually most concentrated in the seeds. Concentrations vary from species to species, in some it is low enough that the plant is safely used as a food. In many, the alkaloids are utilized for their medicinal effects. We have no specific information on the concentration of the alkaloids in this species, but care should be exercised in any use of the plant that involves ingestion. These alkaloids have a curare-like action (obtained from Strychnos species) and can cause paralysis and even death by respiratory failure[, ].

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Swampy or very wet soils in grassland and fields, often bordering rivers and estuaries[]. It is more likely to be found in open areas, often of secondary forest growth, and only rarely in denser forests[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Birds, Insects
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Erythrina crista-galli is not very cold tolerant and grows best in subtropical climates. In areas with colder winters, the rootstock can tolerate occasional temperatures down to about -10°c provided the stem bases are thickly mulched with organic matter such as leaf litter or sawdust and covered with bracken[]. The top growth will be killed by the frost but new growth should sprout from the rootstock in spring and this will flower in late summer[]. In more tropical climates the plant grows better at higher elevations[].
Erythrina species are tolerant of a range of soils, often tolerating poor fertility, but generally grow best in a sunny position in a moderately fertile, well-drained soil[]. This species is found in the wild in very moist and marshy soils, though it also succeeds in dry soils[].
A form called 'Compacta' is said to flower more freely than the type[].
Young plants grow away moderately well, reaching a height of 2.5 metres within 2 years[].
Plants take 3 - 4 years to flower from seed[]. Plants are difficult to establish, taking some years to flower[].
The various species of Erythrina can all, as far as is known, be intercrossed to produce fertile hybrids[].
This species is the national tree of Argentina and Uruguay, and also the city tree of Los Angeles[, ].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

The plant is narcotic and purgative[].

A decoction of the bark is a powerful soporific[]. It is used to treat rheumatism and hepatitis[].
An infusion of the bark is used as a gargle to treat a sore throat and as a wash to treat cuts[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The corky bark on the trunk makes this tree a good support for epiphytic plants[].
Most Erythrina species are very easy to grow from cuttings, with even quite large branches striking well. In addition, they generally fix atmospheric nitrogen, have nutrient-rich leaves that make an excellent soil-enriching mulch, often have open crowns that do not overly restrict light, and are also often quite thorny and can provide impenetrable barriers to protect from unwelcome intrusions. Many species are therefore used as living fences to provide boundaries and livestock-proof hedges[, ].

Other Uses

The wood is light in weight; smooth; porous; of low durability when exposed to the elements[]. It can be used in the manufacture of the soles and heels of shoes, bowls, carving etc[].
The wood is used to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 12 hours in warm water and sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame[]. Overwinter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer.
Heeled cuttings of young growth in the spring in a frame[]. Overwinter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer.