Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
bean tree, bat’s wing coral tree, grey corkwood
Family Name:
Fabaceae
Botanical Name:
Erythrina vespertilio
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
The grey corkwood is a small deciduous tree that grows to heights of up to 9.1 m (30 ft) (1). In its native range, however, it can grow to heights of up to 30 m (about 98 ft) (1). Its brownish grey trunk gets more fissured as it matures and achieves a diameter of 30-80 cm (12-30 in) (2,3). Its trunk and branches have brown thorns (4). Its canopy is a bit sparse, and the stems and branches form a somewhat irregular, disorderly canopy (2). Its leaves are trifoliate, are alternately arranged along their stems, and are about 10-15 cm (4-6 in) long including the long and thin petiole attached to the leaflets (5). Each individual leaflet is about 7-12 cm (2.7-4.7 in) long and 5-12 cm (2-4.7 in) long (5). Its leaflets are deeply lobed giving it a distinctive shape resembling open bat wings (5). After this tree has dropped its leaves, red or coral flowers follow which are borne on terminal raceme inflorescences (5). Before the tepals open, the flowers are pea shaped (papilionaceous) and deep red in color (5). Flowers are 3-4 cm (¾ - 1 ½ in) long, have a funnel shaped that terminates with a petal curving backwards to reveal several protruding stamens with showy yellow anthers (3). Its fruits are brown legume pods about 6-12 cm (2-5 in) long that bear orange or dark yellow seeds that are each about 1 cm (½ in) in size (5).
Compound:
Geographic Origin:
Australia, New Guinea
Ecozone Origin:
Australasia
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
This tree is native to regions in Australia and New Guinea where it is found growing at elevations from sea level to 800 m (2600 ft) (2,6). Its distribution within Australia ranges from the North, West, South territories including parts of Central Australia where it grows in a variety of climates including semi-arid rainforests, subtropical and tropical forests (2, 6,7). In its natural habitat, it grows along rivers, creeks and along forest edges (2). It also provides various ecological services that including the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic relationships with soil bacteria (2). Its deciduous leaves are rich in nutrients and provide the surrounding soil with nutritious mulch (2). Its genus name Erythrina originates from the Greek word, erythros, which translates to red, most likely referring to its flowers (7). Its specific epithet vespertilio is Latin for the word “bat” in reference to its bat wing-shaped leaves (7). One of its other common names being bat’s wing coral tree also took inspiration from its curious shaped leaves and attractive flowers (7).
Cultivation Notes:
The grey corkwood is cold hardy to USDA zones 10-11 and although it is native to semi-arid regions, it would require more care outside of that range in Arizona (8). Consistent temperatures below -5°C (23°F) will harm mature trees of this species, causing stem tip die back and potentially also killing the root (2). This plant flourishes when grown in full sun and generally requires moderate watering; though additional watering in hot and dry climates may be necessary (2). It is generally grown in soil with a pH range within 5.5-7 but can tolerate soil with higher alkalinity as well as with moderate salt content (2). This plant also prefers soil that is well drained and has little risk of water logging (3). It can be propagated by stem cuttings or by seed (2). Seeds take up to 12-18 months to germinate – to do so, soak the seeds in warm water prior to planting them and make a small nick along the sides of the seed to improve germination (2,7).
Ethnobotany:
The bat’s wing coral tree is commonly cultivated as an ornamental because of its showy flowers that bloom during winter and its interesting leaves (2). This plant also is culturally significant to the Aboriginals, indigenous peoples within central Australia (7). The Warlpiri people, in specific, would often use the wood of this tree to make shields that were used during warfare or for ceremonial usage (9). Tools such as woomeras (spears) and coolamons (Aboriginal traditional bowls) can also be made from the tree’s wood (9). Other Aboriginal groups have traditionally used this plant as a sedative which can be brewed from its leaves (7). Its seeds, also referred to as ‘ininti’, have been used to make jewelry by sowing wool or elastic string through them (4). Women in Aboriginal groups would collect the dried seeds and burn a hole through the seed to be used for making jewelry (4).
Height:
16 - 20 feet
Width:
16 - 20 feet
Growth Rate:
Moderate Growing
Grow Season:
Winter
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Orange
Function:
Accent
Spread:
Non-spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Benign
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
