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Description
Erythrina Speciosa, commonly known as the Coral Tree, is a beautiful flowering tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Brazil but can also be found in other parts of South America. The Coral Tree is widely known for its vibrant red-orange flowers that bloom in the spring and summer. The tree can grow up to 25 feet tall and 20 feet wide, with a broad canopy that provides ample shade.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Erythrina |
Appearance
The Coral Tree has a unique appearance that sets it apart from other trees. Its leaves are deciduous and are made up of three leaflets that are green and oval-shaped. The tree’s bark is smooth and grey-brown in color. The most striking feature of the Coral Tree is its flowers, which are bright red-orange and hang in long clusters that can grow up to 1 foot in length. The flowers bloom in the spring and summer and attract pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees.
Care Guide
The Coral Tree is relatively easy to care for and is tolerant of a wide range of conditions. Here are some tips for taking care of your Coral Tree:Water: The Coral Tree prefers well-drained soil and should be watered regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.Fertilization: The tree should be fertilized twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall, with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: The Coral Tree can tolerate a range of soil types but prefers slightly acidic soil with good drainage.Sunlight: The tree requires full sun to thrive and should be planted in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.Hardiness Zones: The Coral Tree is hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can tolerate temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Coral Tree is relatively pest and disease resistant, but it can be susceptible to some issues. Here are some common pests and diseases that can affect the Coral Tree:Aphids: These small insects feed on the tree’s sap and can cause deformities in the leaves and flowers.Caterpillars: Certain caterpillars can feed on the tree’s leaves and flowers, causing damage.Fungal Diseases: The Coral Tree can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust.
Habitat
The Coral Tree is native to Brazil but can also be found in other parts of South America. It is commonly used as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens due to its striking appearance and hardiness.
Question and Answer
Q: Can the Coral Tree be grown in containers?A: Yes, the Coral Tree can be grown in containers, but it will require regular pruning to keep its size in check.Q: How often should the Coral Tree be pruned?A: The Coral Tree should be pruned once a year in the late winter or early spring to promote new growth.Q: What is the best time to plant the Coral Tree?A: The best time to plant the Coral Tree is in the early spring or fall when temperatures are mild.Q: How long does it take for the Coral Tree to bloom?A: The Coral Tree typically blooms in its second or third year of growth.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Erythrina genus include:
- Erythrina Crista-galli
- Erythrina Mulungu
- Erythrina Flabelliformis
References
- “Erythrina Speciosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=286764.
- “Erythrina Speciosa.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdffiles/ST/ST43500.pdf.
- “Coral Tree (Erythrina Speciosa).” Gardenia, www.gardenia.net/plant/erythrina-speciosa-coral-tree.
