Fauna
Plant · GBIF taxon 5349557

Erythrina caffra

Erythrina caffra

Also known as African Coral Tree, Kaffir Coral Tree, Lucky Bean Tree

Coast coral trees produce blazing masses of curved, scarlet to orange blossoms that erupt on bare branches before the flush of spring foliage. Deep nectar wells inside the blooms attract a wide variety of sunbirds and weavers, which serve as essential pollinators along coastal forest margins. The pale grey bark is studded with prickles when young, maturing into a broad, soft-wooded canopy prized for ornamental shade.

DeciduousFloweringBird Pollinated
Erythrina caffra reference
Licensed referenceI created this image. JMK (talk) 12:03, 27 June 2011 (UTC) / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & prey
  • Autotrophic (photosynthetic)
ThreatsHabitat loss from coastal development and invasive stem-boring insects
HabitatsCoastal forests, riverine thickets, wooded coastal dunes, and urban parks
Life span50–100 years
Classification
  1. OrderFabales
  2. FamilyFabaceae
  3. GenusErythrina
  4. SpeciesErythrina caffra
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Seeds and bark contain toxic alkaloids; do not ingest any parts.
Why it is dangerous
Seeds, bark, and foliage contain potent isoquinoline alkaloids with curare-like paralyzing effects if chewed or swallowed.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by trifoliate leaves, curved orange-red flower sprays, and cylindrical seed pods containing glossy scarlet beans.
What to do
Admire flowers and structure from below; never chew the bright red seeds and wash hands after handling fallen pods.
Responsible observation
  • Flower Watching: Scan bare winter and early spring branches for bright red blossoms loaded with foraging sunbirds.
  • Safety Precaution: Avoid handling the bright red seeds, which contain poisonous alkaloids that can cause illness if chewed.
  • Branch Caution: Keep clear beneath large branches during heavy winds, as the soft, brittle wood snaps readily.
Related species
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