Singapore Government Logo

A Singapore Government Agency Website

Erythrina herbacea

Back

Erythrina herbacea L.

Family Name: Fabaceae (Leguminosae)
Synonyms: Erythrina arborea, Erythrina hederaefolia
Common Name: Coral Bean, Cherokee Bean, 绿刺桐

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Tree (Small (6m-15m)), Shrub
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic

Biogeography

Native Distribution America, Mexico
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Coastal Forest, Disturbed Area / Open Ground)
Preferred Climate Zone Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal
Local Conservation Status Non-native

Description and Ethnobotany

Foliage Pinnately divided with 3 leaflets, each 3 lobed to widely delta-shaped.
Stems Multi-stemmed with irregular branches covered in curved spines.
Flowers Arranged in clusters at stem tips, the florets are tubular, very slender. coral to deep red in color.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage
Landscape Uses General, Container Planting
Usage Hazard - Cons Remarks Poisonous seeds

Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal

Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna Bird-Attracting (Flowers), Butterfly-Attracting (Flower Nectar)

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun, Semi-Shade
Water Preference Moderate Water, Little Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate
Rootzone Tolerance Drought Tolerant, Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Fertile Loamy Soils
Pest(s) Sucking Insects
Propagation Method Seed

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Smooth
Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) Green
Young Flush Texture(s) Smooth
Foliar Type Compound (Trifoliate)
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Alternate
Foliar Attachment to Stem Petiolate
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower Colour(s) Red
Flower Texture(s) Smooth
Flower Grouping Cluster / Inflorescence
Flower Location Terminal
Individual Flower Shape Tubular
Inflorescence Type Raceme

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Green
Mature Fruit Texture(s) Rough
Fruit Type Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Legume / Pod
Mature Seed Colour(s) Red
Mature Seed Texture(s) Smooth, Glossy / Shiny
Seed Description Bright red with black line near the helium.
Seed Quantity Per Fruit Few (1-5)

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 31679
Species ID 6078
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 20 August 2021.
Share