Erythrina falcata - Brazilian Coral Tree, Corticeira-da-Serra

sooo exotic.....

Sandra:

Yes, the flowers do look exotic...like parrot beaks.

Gorgeous wonder how long it would take for mine to get this big.

Sixpence:

Thanks! :>)

It would probably take 30 - 40 years in the ground for your Erythrina crista-galli to grow this large.

I have only a small garden Delonix so that suits me fine, and in 30 years I ll be dead lol.

Sixpence:

E. crista-galli can be kept small for many years.

Oh that is great, do I have to cut the roots or keep in smaller pot for that or does it do it naturaly

Sixpence:

Most of Erythrina species here grow in the ground as large to very large trees. I do know they tolerate extreme pruning...as this is a common practice here. The branches on large Coral trees break very easily...and can be very dangerous.

As a rule most legumes have major issues with their roots being cut or pruned. In some cases it can actually kill the plant or tree.

Thank you for that Andy, I defientely won't be here to see it grow this big, so now fears, but thanks about the information on the branches and roots.

That's a beauty too!

Thanks! Yes, it is a very showy tree in full bloom. This is another tree which is very difficult to capture the true bright colors with a camera.

so frustrating

Yes, it is!

Here's a close up of the flower with my new camera.
The flowers are a very bright orange-red.

http://www.growsonyou.com/photo/slideshow/236753-erythrina-falcata-brazilian-coral-tree-corticeira-da-serra-flowers/all

does it belong to the pea family or maybe laburnam?

It is in the pea family.