Did You Know – Coral Tree

Lacey / October 27, 2011 / No comments

Our second fact sheet of the indigenous trees of South Africa.

Coral tree Scientific name: Erythrina lysistemon Description: Single trunked tree with large branches supporting a rounded canopy. Habitat: This commonly occurring tree can be found in most habitats in South Africa from coastal dune forest to even high altitude grassland in the Drakensburg. Bark: Light grey brown and smooth with shallow lengthway grooves. There are slightly hooked thorn on both trunk and branches. Leaves: Heart shaped leaves grouped in three (similar to a clover). The last leaf of each three is the largest. Seed: The seeds grown in long bumpy black pods similar to a peapod. The bumpy bean pods burst open whilst still on the tree (Sep - Feb) to reveal the characteristic black and red seeds. Uses: The leaves and bark are eaten by animals including Black Rhino. Unripe seeds are a favourite of the Brownheaded Parrot. The flowers attract both insects and vervet monkeys and the nectar attracts many sunbirds. Humans use the hollowed trunk as canoes, whilst the the bark and leaves are used for medicinal purposes. Flower: Red tightly packed spike-like flowers appear on the tree before the leaves (Jun-Oct). Flowers 40-60mm long, in groups of up to 90mm. Did You Know: -The seeds are known as lucky beans and smurf berries. - It is believed that if you place one of the seeds in your purse, it will never be empty

Category: Albizia camp, Did you know? /

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