Erythrina schliebenii
Erythrina schliebenii
Schlieben’s Coral Tree
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Description
Erythrina schliebenii is an extremely rare East African coral tree prized for its fiery red blooms and sculptural, lightly spiny form. A sun-loving, drought-tolerant small tree, it thrives in warm climates or as a carefully tended container specimen, rewarding growers with dramatic dry-season or spring flowers that light up the landscape.
Common Names
Schlieben’s Coral TreeCoral TreeErythrina
Context
nativeRegion
Coastal lowland forests of southeastern Tanzania (East Africa).
usdaZones
10–12 (container culture in cooler zones)
companionPlants
Aloe spp., Agave spp., Plumeria spp., Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Calliandra haematocephala, Bougainvillea spp., Lantana camara
culturalUses
Primarily of conservation interest due to extreme rarity; do not wild-collect. Within the genus, coral trees are used as nectar sources, living fences, and shade trees in tropical regions.
Care
Care Requirements
LightFull sun (6–10 hours direct). Can tolerate very bright, open exposure; some afternoon shade in extreme heat.
WateringWater deeply, then allow the top 2–3 in (5–7 cm) to dry. Drought-tolerant once established; reduce markedly in cool/dormant periods.
SoilFast-draining, gritty or sandy loam; avoid waterlogging. pH neutral to slightly alkaline is fine.
FertilizerLight feeding in spring with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer; avoid high nitrogen to encourage flowers over foliage.
HumidityAverage to low household or outdoor humidity (30–60%); tolerant of dry coastal air once established.
TemperatureOptimal 70–95°F (21–35°C). Protect below 40°F (4°C); frost can defoliate or damage.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitDeciduous to semi-deciduous, small spiny tree with trifoliate leaves and showy scarlet pea-flowers.
Mature Size10–25 ft tall (3–8 m) and 10–20 ft wide (3–6 m) in suitable climates or large containers.
Growth RateModerate to fast in heat and sun.
BloomingLate dry season to spring; often flowers on bare wood before new leaves. Attracts nectar-feeding pollinators.
DormancyDry-season dormancy; may drop leaves in cool weather when container-grown.
Propagation
MethodsSeed (scarify and soak before sowing), Semi-hardwood cuttings/truncheons, Air layering
DifficultyModerate
Best SeasonLate spring to summer for cuttings; sow seed in warm conditions anytime.
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPrune lightly after flowering to shape and remove weak or crossing wood. Avoid heavy pruning going into cool/dormant periods.
RepottingFor container plants, repot every 2–3 years in a sturdy, well-drained mix; use a deep, weighted pot to prevent wind toppling.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for scale, aphids, mites, and caterpillars; root rot in poorly drained soils. In some regions, Erythrina gall wasp can be problematic.
ToxicityAll parts—especially seeds and bark—contain alkaloids and are poisonous if ingested by humans or pets. Thorns can irritate skin.
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