Erythrina acanthocarpa Tree Seeds ~ Tamboekiedoring, Rare Tambookie Thorn Shrub Seeds - Indigenous

Erythrina acanthocarpa Seeds

Tamboekiedoring, Tambookie Thorn

The broad-leaved coral tree is an eye-catching, small to medium-sized tree, 5 to 8 m tall when mature. The trunk and branches have prominent thorns and thick, corky bark.

Unlike the other Erythrina species the large leaves of Erythrina latissima are soft and velvety when borne, becoming grey-green and leathery as they mature. In early spring, before the new leaves appear, the whole tree is covered in scarlet flowers.

It has a large root caudex from which many thorny branches grow, up to 2 meters in height. The flowers are a scarlet red with green along the outer edges of the petals. They occur in spring before the new leaves appear, and later long brown thorny seed pods occur. The seeds are used in an old traditional charm to ward off evil. The compound leaves have 3 leaflets and have many hooked thorns on them.

This once common shrub is now difficult to find. They can be easily gown from seed, and should be planted full sun in a well drained soil mixture away from any walls, paving or driveways as the large root caudex can cause some lifting. This plant is winter dormant and should be kept dry during dormancy, and can withstand frost.