14 Jan Coral tree
Erythrina X sykesii
Grows readily from fallen branches, and should
not be used as mulch. Has the potential to invade
natural areas such as hind-dunes, rainforests,
wetlands creeks, and saltmarshes.
Family: Fabaceae
Origin: Uncertain
Habit: Deciduous tree 10-15 m high by 15-20 m wide with a dense
rounded canopy, short stout truck and ascending branches with
smooth greenish bark, and rose like thorns. Very brittle branches
are shed when windy.
Leaves: Compound; tri-foliolate; leaflets triangular to obovate, 7–20 cm
long, 7–12 cm wide mid green.
Flowers: Racemes usually 8–30 cm long and erect bearing up to 30- scarlet
red pea like flowers. Most of year but mainly Winter-Spring.
Fruit: Nil.
Roots: Substantial tap and lateral root system capable of invading
plumbing pipes. Will sucker from root fragments left in ground.
Branches should not be left on the ground as they can re-grow
into new plants.
Dispersal: Vegetation spread by water and humans via garden refuse
dumping. It is so easy to grow even woodchips can take root.
Control: Hand dig/pull small plants. Various foliar spray methods also
drill-injection; frilling; cut and paint. Very difficult to control.
