Erythrina humeana (100 seeds)

Erythrina humeana (100 seeds)

Family: Fabaceae

Common names: Dwarf Coral Tree (e), Kleinkoraalboom (a), umSinsana (z)

This semi-hardy, fast growing, deciduous shrub has dark, olive green leaves. The long spikes of bright scarlet flowers are long lasting and produced throughout summer. The copious nectar attracts birds and butterflies to the garden. The pods are like a string of beads and enclose red and black seeds. A robust, decorative garden subject. Prune lightly at the end of winter as the flowers are borne on the new growth. The bark and roots are used medicinally. Size 1.5 to 3m. S.A. No. 243.1.

Sowing instructions: Seed is sown in spring and summer, in a well-drained, general-purpose potting soil, placed in a warm but shaded spot and kept moist. Soaking the seed overnight in warm (not hot) water is not necessary for germination to occur, but should hurry things along.

Locality: Grahamstown. Harvest: April 2024