Erythrina melanacantha seeds grow into the black-spined coral tree a deciduous tree native to the seasonally dry tropical biome from Ethiopia south through Kenya, Tanzania and Socotra island, with the subspecies melanacantha occupying the East African mainland range. The epithet melanacantha means ‘black-spined’, referring to the unusually dark, almost black prickles that arm the stems and branches a diagnostic character immediately distinguishing it from the typically pale-spined coral trees of the group. Like other East African Erythrina species, it produces brilliant red, tubular flower clusters on bare branches before the leaves emerge. The Socotra population represents an isolated outlier in one of the world’s most remarkable endemic plant communities. Family Fabaceae.
Full sun; drought-tolerant; adaptable to dry tropical soils; warm tropical and subtropical conditions.
Erythrina melanacantha is a botanically distinctive East African coral tree the black spines, vivid red flowers and Socotra connection make it an exceptionally interesting species for collectors of African flora and dryland ornamental legumes.
IMPORTANT: Pictures show the adult plant, which is not for sale. The offer is only for seeds.
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