Also known as Ceibo · Cock's Comb · Cockspur Coral Bean
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Erythrina crista-galli, the Cockspur Coraltree, is a deciduous tree or large shrub native to South America. It features striking, deep red, pea-like flowers blooming in s
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun
90% intensity
Regularly during growth, less in dormancy
70% intensity
Growing season
Well-drained, fertile soil
50% intensity
Warm, frost-free
60% intensity
Outdoor, Greenhouse
50% intensity
Monthly during growth
60% intensity
Growing season
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 5/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
All parts, especially seeds, contain toxic alkaloids that can cause gastrointestinal upset if ingested.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water regularly during the active growing season, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. Reduce watering significantly in autumn and winter, allowing the soil to dry out between applications, especially if the plant is deciduous and dormant.
Propagate Erythrina crista-galli from seeds, which should be scarified before planting, or from semi-hardwood cuttings taken in summer. Rooting hormone can improve success rates for cuttings.
Repot young plants annually in spring into a slightly larger container with fresh, well-draining potting mix. Mature plants in containers may only need repotting every 2-3 years or top-dressing with fresh soil.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Cockspur Coraltree (Erythrina crista-galli)
Where Cockspur Coraltree (Erythrina crista-galli) is found
Density
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Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Erythrina |
| Species | Erythrina crista-galli |
Similar in genus Erythrina
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
