Sign In 
Get Premium Red Hot Poker Tree
(Erythrina abyssinica)
Red Hot Poker Tree (Erythrina abyssinica)
/
/
i_c_riddell
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
i_c_riddell
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: i_c_riddell | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: i_c_riddell | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-07-21T09:35:39-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Erythrina abyssinica, commonly known as Red Hot Poker Tree, is a deciduous tree native to dry savannahs, woodlands, and grasslands in Eastern and Southern Africa. It typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) and a width of 15-20 feet (5-6 meters). The tree is characterized by its striking coral-red flowers that bloom in late winter to spring, providing a vibrant display against its dark green, trifoliate leaves. The bark is rough and grey, and the tree may produce seed pods that contain bright red seeds, which are also ornamental.
The Red Hot Poker Tree is valued for its showy flowers and is often used as a focal point in tropical and subtropical gardens. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It can also be used to create a natural fence or as a windbreak. This species prefers full sun exposure and can adapt to a variety of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it has a relatively low water requirement, it benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. It is not commonly affected by diseases but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Red Hot Poker Tree is valued for its showy flowers and is often used as a focal point in tropical and subtropical gardens. It is drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. It can also be used to create a natural fence or as a windbreak. This species prefers full sun exposure and can adapt to a variety of soil types, provided they have good drainage. While it has a relatively low water requirement, it benefits from occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. It is not commonly affected by diseases but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 20-30 feet
- Width: 15-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Winter, Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Slow, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Dry savannahs, woodlands, and grasslands in Eastern and Southern Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Coral Tree, Lucky-Bean Tree, Erythrina
Scientific Names: , Erythrina abyssinica, Erythrina tomentosa, Erythrina suberifera, Erythrina abyssinica subsp. suberifera, Erythrina comosa, Erythrina warneckei, Erythrina huillensis, Chirocalyx mollissimus, Chirocalyx abyssinicus
GBIF Accepted Name: Erythrina abyssinica Lam.