Water
Water deeply when the top 5-10 cm of soil is dry, especially during the growing season. Reduce watering significantly in winter, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings.
Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Also known as Ahuijote · Bucago · Bucayo
Safety note: This plant may be toxic to humans and pets. See toxicity details.
Erythrina caffra, the Coast Coral Tree, is a striking South African native tree famed for its vibrant red-orange flowers and spiny trunk.
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full Sun
100% intensity
Requires at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily for best flowering and growth.
Moderate
50% intensity
Allow soil to dry slightly between waterings. Reduce in winter.
Well-drained, sandy, loamy
50% intensity
Warm
75% intensity
Prefers warm temperatures; protect from frost. Ideal range is 18-27°C.
Low
25% intensity
Fertilize sparingly during the growing season.
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | Yes 4/5 intensity |
| Edible | No |
Contains toxic alkaloids, especially in seeds and bark.
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Water deeply when the top 5-10 cm of soil is dry, especially during the growing season. Reduce watering significantly in winter, allowing the soil to dry out more between waterings.
Avoid waterlogged conditions, which can lead to root rot.
Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Pruning can also be used to shape the tree and control its size.
Consider thinning out some branches to improve air circulation and light penetration.
Best propagated from seed, which requires scarification or soaking to improve germination. Seeds should be sown in well-draining soil and kept moist and warm.
Cuttings are less successful but can be attempted from semi-hardwood in summer.
Young plants may benefit from repotting every 1-2 years into a slightly larger container. Mature trees are best left undisturbed. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring before the active growing season begins.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of Coast Coral Tree (Erythrina caffra)
Where Coast Coral Tree (Erythrina caffra) 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 caffra |
Similar in genus Erythrina
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
