Thank you to David Tarrant for sharing today's photograph and write-up. David writes:
Erythrina coralloides, or the naked coral-tree, is native to the rocky cliffs and canyons of Mexico, though it is also quite widely planted as an ornamental here in San Miguel. The elevation of San Miguel de Allende is just under 2000 meters, so it is just about the edge of its hardiness zone. However, due to an almost frost-free winter this past year, it has some spectacular blossoms.
The tubular flowers are perfectly adapted for hummingbird pollination. While the bird is extracting the sugary nectar deep in the base of the flower, it brushes against the pollen-producing stamens. The pollen adheres to the bird's head and bill, and is then transferred to the stigmas of the next flowers it visits.
Daniel adds: The Germplasm Resources Information Network provides information on the distribution of Erythrina coralloides, noting its range extends from Arizona to southern Mexico. Also, the genus Erythrina has been featured on BPotD in the past: Erythrina crista-galli, Erythrina lysistemon, and Erythrina stricta var. suberosa, so you may want to revisit those entries.
What a stunner.
Is the 2000m high edge of it's hardiness range normally very dry during the summer? I am wondering if it would tolerate a climate that is alternately wet and windy with dry and baked.
We had some ice in the SW of the UK this last winter which has done for some of our more southern exotics, depending on exact location.
I've seen Erythrina species growing as live fenceposts at close to 4,000m so I think it's dependant on your climate and the species you choose. I used to keep E. coralloides at about 2,200m, although my climate was more desertish than Britain.
Something that this article doesn't mention directly is that these are among the few deciduous tropical trees - they lose their leaves during what corresponds to summer, then bloom near the change to rainy season. They're only leafy during our "winter" months.
Lorax - Ecuador
Great photo - I've never seen such brilliance!
I've managed to grow E. coralloides here in Edmonton (!) - mine is now about 24 years old, started from seed from trees at UCLA. Of course, as with Orange trees at Versailles, it must be taken inside for half the year); luckily I've got a cathedral ceiling. In our Edmonton two-season "Mediterranean" climate (outside cool summer, inside hot dry winter), it leafs out during our Canadian "summer". Poor thing.
HA! For CF's new definition of mediterranean climate and his/her's orangery of the north! Such mirth - Marie Antoinette would approve....
Stunning pic.
fine picture thank you
i found a species that is bi colour
do not eat the seeds
There's a number of these growing here in north coastal San Diego County. There's one around the corner from my house that is at least 50 years old - a fine specimen that's 40 feet in height and diameter.
My grandmother, who gave me a solid horticultural foundation during endless childhood summers spent weeding vegetable and flower beds, had an Erythrina that was stunning every year. It was one of my favorite plants.
That flower looks like it's from another world! Amazing photo as well.