This small deciduous tree has a short thick greyish trunk with large spreading contorted branches that form a rounded crown. The divided leaves have dark green triangular leaflets and the crimson pea-shaped flowers appear in a terminal cluster during spring.

Hardiness zones 9 to 12

Erythrina speciosais naturally found from the West Indies to southern Brazil in South America growing in tropical forests along streams and rivers. often in swampy conditions.

It prefers an open sunny position and grows in most well drained organic rich soils that are tending acidic and is frost and drought tender.

Erythrina is grown for its flowers and spreading crown. It is planted in parks and large gardens for summer shade, or grown as a specimen along borders. It is also used along water courses for bank binding and is suitable for coastal and inland regions. It establishes in 3 to 5 years and is long lived. This tree is also planted in rainforest settings for colour contrast during spring.ID 3154

Note:
This tree will remain evergreen in regions with a wet and mild winter.

Erythrina (e-rith-REEN-a) speciosa(SPEE-see-OH-sah)

Fabaceae (fab-AY-see-ee)