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