Erythrina latissima

The broad-leaved coral tree (Erythrina latissima) is a deciduous tree from southern Africa growing 5 to 8 m tall.[1] It is a member of the Fabaceae and occurs naturally in the Afrotemperate mist-belt of South Africa and Eswatini to the uplands of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and adjacent Botswana.[2] It is often cultivated as a tree for gardens and parks.[3] In Zimbabwe its range overlaps with the similar Erythrina abyssinica.

Broad-leaved coral tree
Habit and the very large, ovate leaflets
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Fabales
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Genus: Erythrina
Species:
E. latissima
Binomial name
Erythrina latissima
Synonyms
  • Chirocalyx mollissimus Meisn.
  • Erythrina gibbsae Baker
  • Erythrina sandersoni Harv.

It has pubescent branchlets and fissured, corky bark. The foliage is soft and initially woolly in texture, with some prickles and prominently raised venation below.[3][2] Their scarlet flowers with red, densely velvety calyxes may appear from winter to early summer,[2] usually before new foliage is produced. The fruit is a cylindrical articulated pod, bearing orange to red seeds with a black spot.[3]

  • Flowers and velvety red calyxes
  • Black and red seeds, fallen from seed pods
  • Venation of single leaflet

References
  1. Tarr, B.B. "Erythrina latissima". PlantZAfrica.com. South African National Biodiversity Institute. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  2. Hyde, Mark; et al. "Erythrina latissima". Flora of Zimbabwe. zimbabweflora.co.zw. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
  3. Van Wyk, Braam; et al. (1997). Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik. p. 391. ISBN 1-86825-922-6.

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