Erythrina crista-galli
L.
Cockspur coral tree
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Summary
Source: WikipediaErythrina crista-galli, also known as the cockspur coral tree, ceibo (in Spanish) or corticeira (in Portuguese), is a species of flowering tree in the family Fabaceae, native to Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, southern Brazil and Paraguay. It is widely planted as a street or garden tree in other countries, notably in California. Its specific epithet crista-galli means "cock's comb" in Latin. It is the national tree of Argentina, and its flower the national flower of Argentina and Uruguay.
Description
Erythrina crista-galli is a deciduous shrub reaching 3 m tall and 2 m wide. Hardy to UK zone 8, it flowers from July to September with hermaphroditic, insect-pollinated blooms. The plant grows in light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils with good drainage, tolerating mildly acid to mildly alkaline pH. It requires full sun, prefers moist soil, and fixes atmospheric nitrogen.
Edible Uses
None known.
Medicinal Uses
The plant is narcotic and purgative.
Known Hazards
The plant contains alkaloids that have powerful narcotic and purgative effects. The seeds of all members of this genus are said to be poisonous.
Distribution
It is a subtropical plant. It grows along watercourses and near swamps.
Where It Grows
Argentina, Asia, Brazil, Niue, Paraguay, SE Asia, Slovenia, South America, Thailand, Uruguay,
Cultivation
Requires a moderately fertile well-drained soil in a very sunny position. Best if given the protection of an east, south or south-west facing wall. Plants are not very hardy outdoors in Britain though the rootstock can tolerate temperatures down to about -10°c provided the stem bases are thickly mulched with organic matter such as leaf litter or sawdust and covered with bracken. The top growth will be killed by the frost but new growth from the rootstock will flower in late summer. A plant growing outdoors at the RHS Gardens in Wisley, Surrey, grows and flowers well in a warm sheltered corner. Its root is mulched each winter to protect it from the cold. A form called 'Compacta' is said to flower more freely than the type. Plants take 3 - 4 years to flower from seed. Plants are difficult to establish, taking some years to flower. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagation
Seed should be pre-soaked for 12 hours in warm water, then sown in spring in a greenhouse. Once large enough to handle, prick seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter, then plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts. Half-ripe wood cuttings can be taken in July or August in a frame; overwinter in a greenhouse and plant out the following late spring or early summer. Heeled cuttings of young growth taken in spring in a frame can also be used; overwinter in a greenhouse and plant out in late spring or early summer.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
In Slovenia it may be in a hot house. It is the national flower of Uruguay.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Navadni koralnik
References (1)
- Maisuthisakul, P., 2012, Phenolic Constituents and Antioxidant Properties of some Thai Plants. Chp. 9 in Book Phytochemicals - A Global Perspective of Their Role in Nutrition and Health
