Botanical Name: Erythrina lysistemon
Common Names: Coral Tree, Koraalboom, Lucky Bean Tree
📌 Product Description
Erythrina lysistemon, commonly known as the Coral Tree or Koraalboom, is a striking indigenous deciduous tree famous for its brilliant red flowers that appear on bare branches in late winter to early spring. The vivid blooms create a dramatic display and attract birds, especially sunbirds.
The tree develops a spreading canopy with grey bark and distinctive thorny branches. After flowering, fresh green leaves emerge, forming a light shade canopy. Seed pods containing bright red seeds (lucky beans) follow the flowering season.
Fast growing and highly ornamental, the Coral Tree is widely used in South African gardens as a feature tree and seasonal highlight.
📏 Size When Fully Grown
Height: 6 – 10 m
Spread: 5 – 8 m
Growth Habit: Medium-sized deciduous tree with spreading canopy
Growth Rate: Fast
🌱 Best Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun
Soil: Well-draining soil; adaptable to sandy or loamy soils
Water:
• Water regularly during establishment
• Drought tolerant once established
• Avoid prolonged waterlogging
Feeding: Apply compost in spring if required.
Maintenance:
• Very low maintenance
• Prune lightly to shape if necessary
• Handle carefully due to thorns
🌦️ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)
Best Planting Time: Spring to early summer
Active Growth: Spring and summer
Flowering Season: Late winter to early spring (on bare branches)
Climate Suitability: Suitable for most South African regions
Frost Tolerance: Tolerates light frost when established
🌼 Additional Benefits
• Indigenous South African tree
• Spectacular red flowers
• Attracts birds and pollinators
• Fast-growing
• Seasonal interest
🌿 Ideal Uses
✔ Feature tree
✔ Indigenous gardens
✔ Wildlife-friendly planting
✔ Shade tree
✔ Large landscape plant

