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Dwarf Coral Tree

Erythrina humeana

SA tree no: 243.1

English: Dwarf Coral Tree, Small-flowered Coral Tree, Dwarf Coral-tree, Natal Coral Tree, Hume's Coral Tree

Afrikaans: Kleinkoraalboom, Dwergkoraalboom

Xhosa: umSintsane, umSintsi, uTambuki

Zulu: umSinsana, iKati

N. Sotho: Mokhupye

S. Sotho: umDvumbula

Historical scientific names: Erythrina caffra var. humeana, Erythrina humei

Erythrina humeana, commonly known as the Dwarf Coral Tree or Natal Coral Tree, is a spectacular indigenous deciduous shrub or small tree native to the eastern parts of South Africa. It is highly prized in gardens for its brilliant display of slender, fiery scarlet-red flowers that emerge in tall, upright spikes, often before the glossy green leaves appear, making it a dramatic focal point.

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Distinguishing features

A small to medium-sized deciduous shrub or tree that can be multi-stemmed.
Produces long, slender, erect spikes of brilliant scarlet-red flowers, often appearing on bare branches.
Features trifoliate (three-lobed) leaves that are glossy, dark green, and sometimes have small prickles on the midrib.
Branches and stems have scattered, sharp thorns, though less dense than some other Erythrina species.
Bears slender seed pods that are constricted between the seeds.

Overall appearance:

Erythrina humeana is typically a multi-stemmed, deciduous shrub or small tree, known for its rather open and informal growth habit. Its most striking feature is the dazzling display of bright red flowers that appear in vertical spikes, creating a vibrant spectacle, especially when the tree is leafless.

Height:

Usually grows between 1.5 and 5 metres tall, occasionally reaching up to 7 metres.

Width:

Forms a rounded, spreading crown, typically 2–4 metres wide.

Leaves:

Compound, trifoliate (composed of three leaflets), appearing after or with the flowers.
Each leaflet is broadly ovate to rhomboidal, glossy dark green above, and slightly paler below, measuring about 5-15 cm long.
The midrib of the leaflets and the petiole (leaf stalk) may have small, scattered prickles.
Leaves are deciduous, turning yellow before falling in autumn.

Flowers:

Brilliant, fiery scarlet-red, slender, and tubular, clustered tightly in erect, spike-like racemes (flower stalks).
The racemes can be quite long, up to 30-60 cm in length.
The flowers are typically 3-5 cm long.
The plant is hermaphroditic (flowers contain both male and female parts) and is not dioecious.
Pollinated primarily by sunbirds, which are attracted to the nectar.

Flowering season:

Flowers profusely in summer and autumn, generally from February to June, but flowering can extend in warmer regions. Often flowers on bare branches or with emerging leaves.

Fruits:

Slender, cylindrical, woody pods, typically 10-15 cm long, and often constricted between the seeds, giving a 'beaded' appearance.
They ripen to a dark brown or black colour.
Pods can persist on the tree for a long time.

Seeds:

Small, hard, bright red or orange-red with a black spot (like many other Erythrina seeds, though sometimes just red or orange).
Contained within the constricted pods.

Bark:

Smooth and greyish-brown on younger stems, becoming rougher and somewhat furrowed with age. Scattered thorns are present on the bark.

Stems:

Multi-stemmed from the base, forming an open, branched structure. The stems bear scattered, sharp thorns.

Wood:

The wood is light and soft, typical of Erythrina species.

Thorns:

Branches and stems have scattered, sharp, conical thorns, typically 0.5-1 cm long. These are generally less numerous than in some other Erythrina species.

Roots:

Possesses a fairly shallow, spreading root system. It can also form a lignotuber (swollen woody base) or thick rootstock, allowing it to resprout after fire or damage.

Soil type:

Prefers well-rained, sandy or loamy soils. It is adaptable to various soil types but dislikes waterlogged conditions.

Aspect:

Thrives in full sun for best flowering. It is moderately drought-tolerant once established and can withstand light to moderate frost, though severe frost may cause dieback or kill young plants.

Edibility:

Not edible. Like many Erythrina species, parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are toxic.

Toxicity:

All parts of the plant, especially the seeds, are considered toxic due to the presence of alkaloids such as erythraline and erysodine. Ingestion can cause various symptoms, including neurological effects. It should be handled with caution, and ingestion should be avoided.

Uses:

Ornamental: Highly valued in gardens and landscapes for its spectacular, brilliant red flower display, making it an excellent specimen plant or focal point.
Wildlife Garden: Attracts sunbirds for nectar, making it a popular choice for bird-friendly gardens.
Fire-resistant: Its ability to resprout from its rootstock after fires makes it somewhat fire-adapted in natural landscapes.
Container Plant: Younger plants can be grown in large containers.

Ecology:

Pollination: The tubular, nectar-rich flowers are specifically adapted for bird pollination, primarily by sunbirds, which are attracted to their bright red colour.
Habitat: Naturally found in coastal bush, dry woodlands, open grasslands, and rocky slopes.
Shelter: Provides shelter for small animals due to its bushy growth, especially when in leaf.

Distribution and habitat:

Erythrina humeana is distributed along the eastern regions of South Africa.

South African Provinces: Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga, Limpopo.
Habitat: Occurs in various habitats including coastal bush, dry woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas, often on slopes. It is a prominent feature in its natural range.

Derivation of name:

The genus name Erythrina comes from the Greek word 'erythros', meaning "red," referring to the typically red flowers of many species in the genus.
The species epithet humeana honours Sir Abraham Hume (1749–1838), a British botanist and collector who introduced many plants to cultivation.
The common name "Dwarf Coral Tree" refers to its smaller stature compared to other larger Erythrina species.

Historical aspects:

Erythrina humeana has been admired and cultivated for its ornamental beauty since its introduction to European horticulture in the early 19th century. In its natural range, it has played an ecological role in supporting birdlife and contributing to the biodiversity of the habitats it occupies.

Interesting facts

This "Dwarf Coral Tree" might be small, but its flowers are a fiery explosion of scarlet red – it's like nature's own fireworks display!
Unlike many plants that flower after their leaves appear, this one often puts on its show on bare branches, making its red blooms even more dramatic.
Sunbirds absolutely adore this tree! They flock to its nectar-filled flowers, making it a buzzing hub of activity in the garden.

Growing tips

Propagation: Easily propagated from seed. Seeds should be nicked or scarified (file a small notch in the hard seed coat) and soaked in warm water overnight to aid germination. Sow in a well-drained, sandy mix.
Cuttings: Can also be propagated from softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings in spring or early summer, or from large stem cuttings (truncheons) in late winter/early spring.
Planting: Plant in a sunny position with well-drained soil. It adapts to various soil types but dislikes waterlogging.
Watering: Drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during its establishment phase and during very dry spells.
Frost: Protect young plants from severe frost. Once mature, it can tolerate light to moderate frost, typically resprouting from the base if damaged.
Maintenance: Generally low maintenance. Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape or remove spent flower stalks.

This plant is a fantastic alternative for:

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