Southwestern Coral Bean, Colorines (Erythrina flabelliformis)

Southwestern Coral Bean, Colorines
Scientific Name: Erythrina flabelliformis Kearney
Synonym: Erythrina purpusii
Family: Fabaceae

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Erythrina flabelliformis at the Huntington Gardens, in mid June Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 19-24
USDA: 9-11

Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: Sonoran desert: USA (southern Arizona, New Mexico), Mexico (Sonora)
Growth Habits: Deciduous shrub, up to 10 feet tall (3 m)
Watering Needs: Little water when established
Propagation: Seeds (nicked and soaked), semi-hardwood cuttings in early summer

The seeds are poisonous. In very small quantity they are hallucinogenic.

Southwestern Coral Bean, Colorines (Erythrina flabelliformis)

Fruiting Habits:
The pods ripen in the fall. They are 1 foot long (30 cm) and contain coral beans.

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