Coral Bean
Erythrina fuscafam. Fabaceae
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Pl. A5A2 — Erythrina fusca
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IOverview
Overview
Coral Bean (Erythrina fusca) is a tree native to various regions including the Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, Belize, and Bolivia. Known for its ornamental value and edibility, this plant features bright red flowers that make it stand out in gardens. It thrives in full sun with varying soil types—light, medium, or heavy—and can tolerate dry to moist conditions. Coral Bean is hardy in zones 10-12 and can grow up to 15 meters tall. Its edible parts include the flowers and leaves, making it a versatile addition to landscapes and gardens.
Quick answers
What is Coral Bean?
Coral Bean (Erythrina fusca) is a tree native to various regions including the Andaman Islands, Assam, Bangladesh, Belize, and Bolivia. Known for its ornamental value and edibility, this plant features bright red flowers that make it stand out in gardens.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Coral Bean thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is drought-tolerant but will also grow in moist conditions. This tree can reach up to 15 meters in height and is hardy in zones 10-12, making it suitable for warmer temperate regions. For propagation, use seeds or cuttings. The flowers and leaves are edible, adding a unique touch to your garden while providing tasty treats.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Habit
Tree
Mature size
15.0 m tall
- Seed viability
- 3-5 years
For first-time growers
How to grow Coral Bean for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple planting of Coral Bean to experience growing a tree from scratch.
- 1
What you'll need
Coral Bean seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers if starting indoors.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the last frost has passed and temperatures are consistently above 10°C (50°F).
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a well-draining potting mix. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors after the last frost, or start indoors 6-8 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a sunny spot to encourage growth.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, especially during dry spells. Provide full sun exposure.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young plants to shape and remove dead branches. Flowers are not typically harvested.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting sunlight, and not providing enough support for the tree.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FlowersLeaves
Edible uses: The Coral Bean's flowers and leaves are edible. The flowers can be eaten raw or cooked, often used in salads or as a garnish. Leaves should be prepared by boiling to remove toxins before consumption. Both parts are typically consumed fresh when available.
Other uses:FencingFire starterHedgerowPioneerPlant supportSoil conditionerLumberNitrogen fixer
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 30 native
Asia4 regions
native (4)BangladeshCambodiaIndiaLaos
Americas11 regions
native (11)BelizeBoliviaColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorEl SalvadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyana
Africa2 regions
native (2)ComorosMadagascar
Oceania1 region
native (1)Fiji
Broader regions
native:Leeward Is., Jawa, Andaman Is., Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Brazil North, Brazil Northeast, Brazil Southeast, Brazil West-Central, Caroline Is., Central American Pac
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Fabaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Fabaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · a5a2a63e-9c45-4cdd-83f9-eb0fb63891b8
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