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athenian_gw

What is this plant

Athenian
11 years ago

This is a plant from my neighbor's yard. It looks like some sort of tropical but we don't know what it is. We'd like to identify understand how to propage it.

Thanks

Comments (7)

  • alisonoz_gw
    11 years ago

    It's an Erythrina, probably E crista-galli, common name is "Coral Tree".
    It is a medium sized tree but quite spreading tree, and sometimes semi-deciduous - it also develp thorns as it matures. I suggest your neighbour read up on it in case it is ultimately too big for their yard or otherwise likely to cause problems. I do agree though it's a beautiful tree in flower.
    They are in the leguminousae family - have seeds in pods that look like beans (don't eat them) so they can be propagated that way when the pods finally ripen and split. I expect they could also be struck from from semi-hardwood cuttings though I haven't tried it myself

  • Athenian
    Original Author
    11 years ago

    Thank you very much. The USDA photo for the crystal-galli looks exactly like the plant next door. My neighbor didn't plant it and she's been in her house for over 30 years so perhaps the dry habitat has stunted its growth. I would never have dreamed it would turn into a tree; it's in a shaded spot and is just a shrub.

    I was thinking about trying to propgate with a cutting but now I think I'll just wait for the seeds.

    Athena

    Here is a link that might be useful:

  • alisonoz_gw
    11 years ago

    I can imagine that it might grow quite nicely as a shrub, sort of dwarfed down if restricted. Or grown in a big tub.
    I live near a river flood-plain in sub-tropical part of Queensland, Australia. These trees - or a very similar one which is Erythrina fusca, were planted a lot as forage food and also shade, for cattle (dairy) which is about all the land was used for until "civilization" caught up. They make a wonderful sight, in flower, rising up out of the fields of long grass.

  • garyfla_gw
    11 years ago

    Hi
    Would think that if it's 30 years old and has not spread it's sterile or climate doesn't allow germination.
    They are VERY invasive in 10 florida. I'd go for a cutting Seems like a great plant for your area !! They are beautiful gary

  • Athenian
    Original Author
    11 years ago

    My neighbor had some work done last year that inadvertently opened up the area around the plant; this is the first year she's been aware of it.

    Another friend took a cutting the other day.

    Having been forewarned, I think I'm going to collect some seed in the fall and plant them in a barrel.

  • diane_v_44
    11 years ago

    It does really look an interesting plant
    Hope you will post if the seeds grow or cuttings or what

    Will watch to see if I can find this plant anywhere Would like to give it a try

  • kayjones
    11 years ago

    I have Erythrina crista-galli - mine has lots of thorns on the branches, which it doesn't appear that the one pictured does - not sure what it is, but I don't think it's E. c.g.