Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Erythrina crista-galli or Cockspur coral tree

The genus Erythrina, family Fabaceae, comprises 130 species of trees native to tropical regions on all continents. Some species are: Erythrina crista-galli, Erythrina variegata, Erythrina coralloides, Erythrina lysistemon, Erythrina speciosa, Erythrina caffra, Erythrina americana.

Common names: Cockspur coral tree, Coral Tree, Crybabytree. This species is native to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay.

They are trees with a wide crown and twisted trunk that reach 10 meters (32.8 feet) in height. They have trifoliate and alternate leaves. The showy red flowers appear in clusters and bloom from spring to fall. They produce pod-shaped fruits.

They are used as isolated specimens, in public parks and streets or in large pots.

The Erythrina crista-galli needs full sun exposure (south facing) and warm climates. They do not resist frost or constant winds.

The soil can be a mixture of garden substrate with 20% clay that retains water. The transplant is done in early spring.

Water regularly to keep the soil a little moist.

Fertilize in spring with manure and in spring and summer every 20 days with mineral fertilizer.

Prune dry branches and stems in spring.

If there is excessive humidity they can be attacked by mites.

They propagate by seeds sown in spring, by cuttings in spring or by division in autumn.

Images of the tree Erythrina crista-galli or Cockspur coral tree