This large deciduous tree has a trunk with corky bark up to 800mm (2ft 8in) wide and the ascending branches that form a rounded crown. It has grey-green lobed leaflets (bat-shaped) and the red pea-shaped flowers appear in clusters before the leaves.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12 

Erythrina vespertilio is naturally found in Australia from Queensland to the Northern Territory, Western Australia and northern New South Wales. It grows in dry scrubland and open sclerophyll forests on the coast and inland and varies in size and habit depending on its position.

It tolerates most well drained moderately fertile loams and prefers an open sunny position and is frost tender but drought tolerant.

The Bat's Wing Coral Tree is grown for its habit and its unusual foliage. It is planted in parks, farms and large gardens as a specimen and is suitable for coastal and inland regions in sub-tropical regions. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and is used as a shade tree or a large courtyard specimen. ID 2958

Note:
In an open situation it is smaller with a short trunk and spreading branches and in a closed forests it in much taller and slightly buttress. The trunk and branches are armed with conical prickles that may extend to the petioles.

Erythrina (e-rith-REEN-a) vespertilio (ves-per-TILL-ee-oh)
 
Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)