Natal Coral Tree, Dwarf Kafferboom

Frost Tolerance: Foliage is frost tender. plant is hardy to at least 25° F (-4° C), restarts from the roots if the top is destroyed.

Heat Tolerance: Light shade in Phoenix in summer

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Southern Africa (Mozambique to South Africa Eastern Cape Province)

Growth Habits: Deciduous shrub, up to 12 feet tall (3.6 m)

Watering Needs: Needs good drainage, little water when established

Propagation: Seeds (soak for 24 hours), semi-hardwood cuttings in summer, heeled softwood cuttings in the spring

The species humeana is named after Sir Abraham Hume, student of the botanist J.E. Smith. The root extract is used medicinally.

Blooming Habits:
The Erythrina humeana has scarlet flowers organized in terminal racemes, in the fall. They are followed by blackish fruits containing scarlet seeds, probably poisonous.