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Erythrina bidwillii

Accession Count: 8

Common Name: coral bean, western coral bean

Family Name: Fabaceae

Botanical Name: Erythrina bidwillii

Synonyms:

Family Synonyms: Leguminosae

Sub Species:

Variety:

Forma:

Cultivar:

Characteristics:

Erythrina bidwillii is a deciduous shrub or small tree with alternate phyllotaxy. When E bidwillii blooms, it grows flower spikes up to three feet long. At the end of these flower spikes it produces deep red, pea-shaped blooms. New growth is thorny. The western coral tree has a unique growth pattern: each of the branches grow in long, curving, almost vine-like patterns which swirl around the trunk of the tree.

Compound: Ery bid

Geographic Origin: Tropical America

Ecozone Origin: Neotropic

Biome Origin:

Natural History: This tree is named in honor of the English gardener and rancher John Carne Bidwill. It is a hybrid of Erythrina herbacea crossed with Erythrina crista-galli. ======================================================================= Natural History of the UA Campus Arboretum Specimen: The UA trees bloom throughout the entire hot season but are exceptionally lush during monsoon season.

Cultivation Notes: Erythrina bidwilllii should be planted in fully sunny locations. It is a cold sensitive tree, only able to withstand temperatures above 20°F. Once the western coral tree is done blooming, its faded blooms should be pruned.

Ethnobotany: Since the new growth is thorny, E. bidwillii should be planted away from walkways. The seeds are poisonous.

Height: 6 - 10 feet

Width: 6 - 10 feet

Growth Rate: Moderate Growing

Grow Season:

Flower Season: Spring

Color: Red

Function: Patio

Spread: Non-spreading

Allergen: Non-allergenic

Invasive: Benign

Toxicity: Toxic

Hardy: Semi-hardy

Water Use: Low water Use

Citations:
Duffield, Mary Rose, and Warren D. Jones. Plants For Dry Climates - How To Select, Grow And Enjoy. Lane Publishing Company, 1992

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