Cockspur Coral Tree (Erythrina crista-galli)

Cockspur Coral Tree (Erythrina crista-galli) is a flowering tree in the family Fabaceae, native to Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and Paraguay. It is a deciduous and thorny tree that is native to South America, and that can reach up to 20 ft (6 m) tall, although it is often smaller. Also, it bears striking deep-red flowers in summer. The leaves of the cockspur coral tree are deciduous, alternate and composed. This Erythrina has red-coral to bright red flowers, which generally appear in summer.

Flowers are grouped in clusters, and are typical of the Fabaceae family. It can be propagated by seeds, air-layers or cuttings.

Taxonomy:

Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Fabales
Family : Fabaceae
Subfamily : Faboideae
Tribe : Phaseoleae
Genus : Erythrina
Species : Erythrina crista-galli

Pronunciation/Meaning:

• Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ay) - The Faba (broad bean) family, (formerly Leguminosae).
• Erythrina (er-ith-RY-nuh) - Red coloured.
• crista-galli (KRIS-tuh GAL-ee) - Cock’s comb.

Common Names:

• Cockspur Coral Tree, Cry Baby Tree, Fireman’s Cap Tree, Brazilian Coral Tree

Links:

• Plants for a future - Cockspur Coral Tree

Image Courtesy of Linda De Volder.