Erythrina lysistemon

Erythrina lysistemon, commonly known as the Common Coral Tree or Lucky Bean Tree, is a deciduous species belonging to the Fabaceae family. Native to southern Africa, it thrives in various habitats such as savannas, woodlands, and riverbanks. The tree can reach up to 15 meters in height and has a spreading canopy that extends up to 10 meters wide. The Common Coral Tree is known for its striking bright red flowers that bloom in spring and summer. These flowers, arranged in clusters at the tips of branches, attract pollinators like birds, bees, and butterflies. Following the flowering stage, long seed pods develop, containing bright red seeds often utilized for traditional medicinal purposes. This tree serves multiple functions: its broad canopy offers excellent shade, its durable wood is prized for carving, and its bark, which contains tannins, is used in leather tanning. Erythrina lysistemon thrives in full sun and well-drained soil but can withstand some drought conditions once established. Remarkably, it can fix nitrogen into the soil through root nodules, making it beneficial for agroforestry systems. In summary, Erythrina lysistemon is not only an attractive ornamental plant with cultural significance in southern Africa due to its traditional medicinal uses but also offers ecological benefits such as attracting pollinators and enhancing soil fertility through nitrogen fixation.

Characteristics

Plant Type

Tree

Life Cycle

Perennial

Genus

Erythrina

Family

Fabaceae

Hardiness Zone

9-11

Mature Height

6.1 m to 11.89 m

Mature Spread

3.96 m to 7.92 m

Leaf Color

Green, Dark Green

Leaf Type

Deciduous

Flower Size

5.08 cm to 6.35 cm

Bloom Time

Summer

Planting Time

Spring, Summer

Harvest Time

Fall

Native Area

Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, South Africa, Eswatini, Botswana, Zimbabwe

Tags (6)

Common Names (8)