Family: Fabaceae
Author: (Walp.) O.F.Cook
Bibliography: U.S.D.A. Div. Bot. Bull. 25: 57 (1901)
Year: 1901
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Erythrina
Vegetable: False
Observations: Panama to NW. Argentina
Description
The Coral tree, known scientifically as Erythrina poeppigiana, is a striking member of the Fabaceae family. Exuding a vibrancy that captivates onlookers, this tree stands as a testament to the splendor found within the plant kingdom. Erythrina poeppigiana was notably documented in the U.S.D.A. Division of Botany Bulletin 25, by author (Walp.) O.F.Cook, in the year 1901, solidifying its significance in botanical literature.
Native to an expansive range stretching from Panama to Northwestern Argentina, the Coral tree thrives in these tropical and subtropical regions, making it a familiar sight across a variety of landscapes in Central and South America. This geographic span contributes to its adaptability and resilience in different environmental conditions.
The Coral tree is renowned for its vibrant red-orange blossoms which flourish in clusters against the canopy of its green foliage, creating a stunning visual contrast that draws the eye. The flowers not only enchant with their beauty but also play a critical role in the ecosystem, attracting a multitude of pollinators such as birds and insects. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Erythrina poeppigiana has practical uses; it is often planted for shade, particularly in agricultural settings like coffee or cacao plantations, due to its ability to moderate intense sunlight.
Standing as a harmonious blend of beauty and functionality, the Coral tree embodies the ecological and cultural wealth of the regions it inhabits. Whether observed for its striking visual impact or its contributions to local agriculture, Erythrina poeppigiana remains a valuable and cherished species throughout its native habitats.
Common Names
Eng: coral tree, coraltree, immortelle-tree, mountain immortelle
Spa: amasisa, poró extranjero, poró gigante, saibo
Por: erythrina-do-alto
En: Coral tree, Coraltree, Immortelle-tree, Mountain immortelle, Immortel Jaune
Pt: Erythrina-do-alto
Es: Amasisa, Poró extranjero, Poró gigante, Saibo
Synonyms
- Erythrina darienensis (Standl.)
- Erythrina amasisa (Spruce)
- Erythrina pisamo (Posada-Ar.)
- Micropteryx poeppigiana (Walp.)
- Erythrina poeppigiana f. redmondii (Steyerm. & Lasser)
- Erythrina micropteryx (Poepp. ex Urb.)
Distribution
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil North (native)
- Colombia (native)
- Ecuador (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Peru (native)
- Venezuela (native)
- Angola (introduced)
- Costa Rica (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- El Salvador (introduced)
- Guatemala (introduced)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- Honduras (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Kenya (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Malaya (introduced)
- Nigeria (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Sierra Leone (introduced)
- Tanzania (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Uganda (introduced)
- Windward Is. (introduced)
- Zaïre (introduced)
Additional Images
Habit
Taken Feb 12, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 12, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 12, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 12, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Feb 12, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Feb 12, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)
Taken Apr 6, 2021 by Salado Carrera Gustavo Enrique (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 6, 2021 by Salado Carrera Gustavo Enrique (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Nov 8, 2021 by thaysa passi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 8, 2021 by thaysa passi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 8, 2021 by thaysa passi (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5349755)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:96637-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Erythrina poeppigiana (Walp.) O.F.Cook)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Tree