Coral Tree Information: Coral Tree Care
The landscape of a warm climate is uniquely interestingly enhanced by exotic plants like the coral tree. Describe a coral tree. A remarkable tropical plant belonging to the Fabaceae family of legumes is the coral tree. It could have brilliant pink, red, or orange blooms, and it could be smooth or spiky, deciduous or evergreen. Only USDA zones 9 and higher are suitable for growing coral trees outdoors. If you live in the right area, caring for coral trees is simple, but some growers might find them messy. Learn how to cultivate coral trees so you can enhance your garden with a bit of their intense beauty.
How Do Coral Trees Occur?
The genus Erythrina includes coral trees, which are mostly found in South Africa and South America. Around the world, there are about 112 distinct species of Erythrina. In addition, they can be found in Hawaii, Asia, Australia, the West Indies, Mexico, and Central America. The large area that the plants cover appears to suggest that the seeds are dispersed along the coast. Some fascinating facts about coral trees concern their incredibly buoyant seeds, which can float for up to a year and are so tough that they easily pass through the digestive tracts of birds and animals. These resilient seeds end up being thrown from the waves onto rich tropical soils, where they flourish and ultimately change and adapt to make the most of their surroundings.
Details of Coral Trees
A coral tree typically reaches a height of 35 to 45 feet (10.5–13.5 meters), however some types reach heights of 60 feet (18.5 meters). The stems can be smooth or have thorns based on their evolutionary adaptations, and the leaves have three different leaflets. The trees have thick trunks that are typically joined to the main stem by several smaller trunks. As they grow older, roots may protrude from the ground and pose a risk. The wood is weak and pithy, easily breaking in the wind or from overwatering. The bark is a thin, grayish brown color. The most notable feature is the blooms, which appear in late winter. They are bizarre structures made of vibrant, thick petals that are upright around the corolla. Hummingbirds are drawn to the vibrant colors and strong aroma.
Coral Tree Maintenance
Water is rarely needed by coral trees. In fact, an excessive amount of water encourages the weakening and eventual breaking of limbs. The tree grows too quickly when it is overwatered, and its soft wood is unable to withstand such spurts. The tree’s weight can then literally pull it out of the ground during the dry season. Tree tipping and limb loss can be avoided by pruning the tree in the spring to remove any damaged or heavier stems. Additionally, fertilizer is not advised when cultivating coral trees. Additionally, fertilizer encourages rapid growth in them, which may lead to issues down the road. Apply a fine layer of organic mulch over the root zone. Over time, the mulch will allow a small amount of nutrients to seep into the soil.
