Common coral tree
Erythrina x sykesii
family
Fabaceae
origin
Native
declaration
NIL
For information only
Common names
Indian coral tree, Thorny coral tree.
A broadly spreading tree growing up to 6 m or more tall. Its stems are sparsely covered in sharp thorns. Its leaves are divided into three elongated leaflets. Its scarlet red to dark red pea-shaped flowers are borne in large elongated clusters at the tips of the branches. Its elongated, dark brown, pods are slightly constricted between each of the shiny mottled seeds. A hybrid of horticultural origin, that was probably developed in Australia or New Zealand.
Impact
Impact
Common coral tree (Erythrina — sykesii) has spread from garden and street plantings and become an environmental weed in the coastal regions of New South Wales. It appears on several local and regional weed lists in this state (e.g. in the wider Sydney and Blue Mountains region and in the North Coast and South Coast regions). Common coral tree (Erythrina — sykesii) has also recently become naturalised in south-eastern Queensland, and is a potential or emerging environmental weed in the region. This species does not produce viable seed and only propagates vegetatively, via stem segments and suckers. Logs, branches and even twigs will grow into new plants and they break easily, thereby aiding its spread during floods. The spread of common coral tree (Erythrina — sykesii) is often aided by the dumping of garden waste in bushland areas. It is primarily a problem along creeks and rivers, but will also grow in disturbed natural vegetation and open woodlands. In New South Wales it has been reported to invade conservation areas (e.g. Eurobodalla National Park and Murramarang National Park), replace native riparian vegetation, block the flow of creeks, increase creek bank erosion, and cause other trees to fall over.
Location
Location
Characteristics
Characteristics
Similar Species
Similar Species
Common coral tree (Erythrina — sykesii) has spread from garden and street plantings and become an environmental weed in the coastal regions of New South Wales. It appears on several local and regional weed lists in this state (e.g. in the wider Sydney and Blue Mountains region and in the North Coast and South Coast regions). Common coral tree (Erythrina — sykesii) has also recently become naturalised in south-eastern Queensland, and is a potential or emerging environmental weed in the region. This species does not produce viable seed and only propagates vegetatively, via stem segments and suckers. Logs, branches and even twigs will grow into new plants and they break easily, thereby aiding its spread during floods. The spread of common coral tree (Erythrina — sykesii) is often aided by the dumping of garden waste in bushland areas. It is primarily a problem along creeks and rivers, but will also grow in disturbed natural vegetation and open woodlands. In New South Wales it has been reported to invade conservation areas (e.g. Eurobodalla National Park and Murramarang National Park), replace native riparian vegetation, block the flow of creeks, increase creek bank erosion, and cause other trees to fall over.
