Erythrina latissima
| Broad-leaved coral tree | |
|---|---|
 | |
 | |
| Habit and the very large, ovate leaflets | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Embryophytes |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Genus: | Erythrina |
| Species: | E. latissima |
| Binomial name | |
| Erythrina latissima | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Erythrina latissima is a species of flowering plant in the family Annonaceae.[2][3] It is sometimes referred to by the common names Lucky Bean Tree, Broad-Leaved Coral Tree, or Cork Tree.[1] It is a deciduous tree from southern Africa growing 5 to 8 m tall.[4] It is a member of the Fabaceae and occurs naturally in the Afrotemperate mist-belt of South Africa and Eswatini to the uplands of Mozambique, Zimbabwe and adjacent Botswana.[5] It is often cultivated as a tree for gardens and parks.[6] In Zimbabwe its range overlaps with the similar Erythrina abyssinica.
Description
It has pubescent branchlets and fissured, corky bark. The foliage is soft and initially woolly in texture, with some prickles and prominently raised venation below.[6][5] Their scarlet flowers with red, densely velvety calyxes may appear from winter to early summer,[5] usually before new foliage is produced. The fruit is a cylindrical articulated pod, bearing orange to red seeds with a black spot.[6]
Gallery
Flowers and velvety red calyxes
Black and red seeds, fallen from seed pods
Venation of single leaflet
References
- 1 2 Harvey-Brown, Y. (2021). "Erythrina latissima". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021 e.T47608241A47610380. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T47608241A47610380.en.
- 1 2 "Erythrina latissima E.Mey". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
- ↑ "Erythrina latissima E.Mey". Catalogue of Life. Species 2000: Leiden, the Netherlands. Retrieved June 21, 2026.
- ↑ Tarr, B.B. "Erythrina latissima". PlantZAfrica.com. South African National Biodiversity Institute. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
- 1 2 3 Hyde, Mark; et al. "Erythrina latissima". Flora of Zimbabwe. zimbabweflora.co.zw. Retrieved 17 October 2012.
- 1 2 3 Van Wyk, Braam; et al. (1997). Field Guide to the Trees of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik. p. 391. ISBN 1-86825-922-6.
Media related to Erythrina latissima at Wikimedia Commons