Botanical Name: Erythrina lysistemon (Erythrina princeps)
Common Name: Lucky bean tree
Type of Plant: dicot: tree
Character deciduous
 
Habit of Growth:
Overall Shape a mostly single-trunked, irregular plant, with sturdy primary branches forming an open rounded canopy which may become flat-topped with age; the plant develops conspicuous black thorns on the younger branches
Height 25' - 50'
Spread equal
Growth Rate rapid
 
Environment:
Exposure outdoors full or partial sun
Soil a well-draining sandy loam is preferred
Hardiness some frost (zones 21-24): grows best in mild coastal-climate areas
 
Morphology:
Leaves trifoliate, alternate, 8"-12"(15") long; the leaflets are deltoid-ovate, with an aristate apex, 2"-4" long; the petioles are 6"-10" long, unarmed
Flowers bright salmon-orange, tubular, sickle-shaped; 1"-2" long, in mostly terminal 6"-12" long spikes; fall-late winter
Fruit a pod; 3" long, dark brown, flat, not strongly constricted between the seeds
 
Propagation:
seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
 
Usage:
a medium to large accent tree, valued for its flower display and attractive form; excellent for subtropical-tropical style landscape; can be used as a large lawn tree; has an aggressive root system
 
Landscape Care:
Watering regular is required; the plant is not very drought tolerant
Fertilizing as needed; check for chlorosis in heavily irrigated adobe soil locations
Pruning head high and develop a widespreading scaffold structure; thin out as needed to enhance the overall appearance
Pests/Diseases relatively free
Special Conditions/Other
 
Origin: South Africa
Family: Fabaceae

Notes:
 
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