African Coral Tree
erythrina abyssinica
Also known as: ["Fire Coral Tree","Scotchman's Tree"]
Overview
A deciduous tree native to tropical Africa, known for its vibrant red flowers and spiny stems.
Benefits & Perks
["long-flowering","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","drought tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Erythrina |
| Botanical Name: | Erythrina abyssinica |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden in a spacious area with good air circulation
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: moderate
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"9–11"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter; tolerates poor soils but thrives with enrichment.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: high
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth starts.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun (6–8 hours/day); tolerates partial shade but may flower less; adjust for intense summer sun.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate new plants to full sun gradually; protect from harsh midday sun in hot climates; ensure good air circulation to prevent leaf scorch.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Avoid sudden light changes; use shade cloth in extreme heat; rotate plant for even growth.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, allow soil to dry between waterings, avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate organic content
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; enrich with organic matter; avoid waterlogged conditions.
Temperature
Thrives in warm temperatures (20–30°C); tolerates mild frosts but prefers frost-free conditions; adjust care for seasonal shifts.
Protect from frost; water deeply in heat; adjust care for seasonal extremes.
Fertilizing
every 2–3 months during growing season
Fertilize lightly to avoid excessive foliage growth; apply before new growth emerges; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings or seed; stem cuttings are faster and more reliable for home growers.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
Warm (20–25°C), humid, and partially shaded environment with indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of perlite and peat moss or cactus mix.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; establish in new pot after 3–6 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, small pots, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, non-flowering stems; maintain high humidity; avoid direct sun during rooting.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective thinning and heading back; avoid excessive pruning which can reduce flowering.
Pruning Plan
Prune to shape, encourage flowering, and remove dead or diseased wood; focus on maintaining plant health and structure.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, gloves, disinfectant for tools.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune dead/diseased wood first; make clean cuts; avoid removing too many branches at once.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–5 cm (1–2 inches) in diameter; avoid oversized pots.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; use fresh, well-draining soil; ensure proper drainage in new pot.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; beneficial for young plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot; prepare new soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, ensuring moisture reaches the root zone; water early in the morning to minimize evaporation; ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once a week during the growing season; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in winter or drought; adjust based on rainfall and soil moisture.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure for fertility; mix in perlite or sand for drainage; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges in cold; wilting or leaf scorch in excessive heat.
Cold Stress
Low temperatures slow growth, may cause leaf drop, and can lead to frost damage if unprotected.
Solution: Protect with frost cloth or mulch; move potted plants indoors; avoid watering before cold snaps.
Hot Stress
Excessive heat can cause leaf scorch, wilting, and reduced flowering; may lead to dehydration.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering; use mulch to retain soil moisture.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Use balanced fertilizer; apply in spring; avoid winter feeding; monitor for signs of overfertilization.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced, slow-release fertilizer in spring; dilute liquid fertilizer to half-strength monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicErythrina abyssinica is toxic to cats, with ingestion of seeds, bark, or leaves leading to severe poisoning. The alkaloids affect the nervous and digestive systems, causing significant distress.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicThe toxic alkaloids in Erythrina abyssinica can cause severe poisoning in dogs if ingested. The seeds, bark, and leaves are particularly dangerous, leading to gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicErythrina abyssinica contains toxic alkaloids that can cause severe physiological effects upon ingestion. The plant's seeds, bark, and leaves are particularly hazardous, leading to neurological and gastrointestinal disturbances.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Erythrina abyssinica toxic to pets?
A: Yes, it is toxic to dogs and cats.
Q: Does this tree attract wildlife?
A: Yes, it attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.
Q: How drought-tolerant is this plant?
A: It is highly drought-tolerant once established.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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