Abyssinian Erythrina, Coral Tree

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Tropical eastern Africa (Ethiopia to Mozambique) in low elevation woodland and grasslands, below 6600 feet elevation (2000 m)

Growth Habits: Deciduous shrub or tree, up to 40 feet tall (12 m); leaves with 3 large rounded leaflets almost orbicular, central one up to 7 inches long (17 cm), 8 inches wide (20 cm)

Flowers: In late winter to early spring

Watering Needs: Little water when established, prefers deep, well drained soils

Propagation: Seeds (long lived, don't need pretreatment, low germination rate, except very fresh), cuttings, truncheons, suckers

The seeds are poisonous.

Blooming Habits:
Unusual bright red flowers, with thread-like filaments, up to 2 inches long (5 cm), appearing in late winter and early spring before the leaves.

Fruiting Habits:
Woody pubescent black pods, 6 to 10 inches long (15-25 cm), containing red seeds with black hilum.