seeds of Erythrina crista-galli, Cockspur Coral Tree

Erythrina crista-galli is a tree species that also goes by the names Erythrina fasciculata Erythrina laurifolia, Erythrina pulcherrima. The name this tree is most often known by is Cockspur coral tree. Erythrina crista-galli is indigenous to Southern Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay where it is also it’s extensively cultivated. The plant is miniature-sized and has a trunk diameter of 50 cm and can reach a height of between 5 and 8 m when fully mature. Erythrina crista-galli has irregularly shaped branches shooting off from a woody trunk. Not only are the flowers red and pantameric, but they also have bilateral symmetry. The corolla has butter fly shape in accordance with what’s typical in many legume species. Erythrina crista-galli is heavily reliant on insects for its pollination and consequently has brightly coloured petals and plenty of nectar. The plant is a hermaphrodite, i.e. it has both male and female flowers. The taproot of the plant contains a special type of bacteria that facilitates nitrogen absorption. The bacteria have a mutually beneficial relationship with the plant where they get access to certain organic substances in exchange. The chief motivation for the cultivation of Erythrina crista-galli is to take advantage of its attributes as an ornamental plant. The beauty of its leaves and flowers makes it a great addition to parks and gardens. Plants of this species that aren’t cultivated by man can be found mostly in wetlands, swamps and on the banks of rivers. Erythrina crista-galli prospers in sunlit areas with rich well drained soils. The plant doesn’t cope well under low temperatures especially when it dips below 0 ˚C. However, if sufficient amounts of mulch cover the base of the plant's stem then it should cope well at a temperature of -10 ˚C. Erythrina crista-galli takes 3 to 4 years to sprout flowers.