ERYTHRINA ARBORESCENS Coral Tree seed

LATIN NAME: ERYTHRINA ARBORESCENS

COMMON NAME: Himalayan Coral Tree

The Himalayan coral tree blazes the bare branches with the dense clusters of the scarlet, coral-red flowers in the early summer, the broad, trifoliate leaves following, and the whole tree carrying the brilliant, tropical look of the erythrinas. The flowers open before the leaves, each bloom with the long, curved shape, and the pods follow through the autumn. The bark stays pale and corky, and the tree grows into the spreading, open-headed tree of the warm valleys. It likes the sun, the shelter, and the deep, well-drained soil.

Scientific Research & Plant Biotechnology

The erythrinas are a well-studied group in the warm-climate ornamental research, and the Himalayan coral tree appears in the studies of the flowering trees and the bird-pollinated blooms. The work covers the flowering patterns, the seed biology and the growth of the tree in the warm gardens, while the botanists note the long, curved flowers that fit the sunbirds and the hummingbirds. The brilliant colour keeps the species in the catalogues of the tropical flowering trees.

Ecological & Economic Value & Wide Applications

In the warm garden, the Himalayan coral tree sets the early summer alight. The scarlet clusters blaze on the bare branches before the leaves, drawing the nectar-feeding birds where they visit, and the pods feed the birds through the autumn. The spreading, open crown gives the generous presence, and the tree settles happily in the deep, sheltered, well-drained soil. Fiery, generous and unmistakable.

The Himalayan coral tree seeds germinate readily in a moist, sandy loam kept warm and bright. The seedlings appear within a few weeks, and they grow on fast with the broad, trifoliate leaves. Grow the young trees on in the sunny, sheltered spot, and the scarlet flowers come within the few years. A warm, sheltered corner suits the young tree best, and the pods follow through the autumn.

To grow the Himalayan coral tree from seed, sow the small, red seeds directly into the deep tray of moist, sandy loam, then cover them lightly, keep the tray in the warm, bright spot and water gently. The seedlings break through within a few weeks, and they grow on fast. Grow the young trees on in the sunny, well-drained spot, and the scarlet clusters will blaze each early summer.

Uses: ornamental.Gardening. Green.Medicinal

Erythrina arborescens
Sunshine Coral Tree