Cockspur Coral Tree / Ceibo (Erythrina crista-galli) - Seeds
€2,80
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Cockspur Coral Tree / Ceibo (Erythrina crista-galli) - Seeds
€2,80
Pickup available at Bei der Kirche 3
Usually ready in 24 hours
The cockspur coral tree, botanically Erythrina crista-galli, is a spectacular, woody ornamental shrub from the legume family (Fabaceae). It impresses with its exotic, brilliant crimson flower clusters that resemble a rooster's comb, and as an imposing container plant, it lends an incomparably tropical flair to any patio or bright conservatory.
Scope of delivery: 8 seeds each
Sowing tips at a glance:
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Pre-treatment: It is essential to roughen the extremely hard seeds with fine sandpaper (scarification) and then let them soak in lukewarm water for 24 hours until they are visibly swollen.
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Pre-cultivation: Possible year-round indoors, ideally in early spring from February/March. It is best to sow the seeds individually in small pots.
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Sowing depth: Place about 1 to 2 cm deep in loose, germ-free seed compost (optionally loosened with fine pumice or perlite).
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Germination temperature: A constant soil temperature of 22 to 25 degrees Celsius is essential for successful germination.
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Germination time: Usually reliable within 2 to 4 weeks after proper pre-treatment.
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Moisture: Keep the substrate evenly moist, but strictly avoid waterlogging to prevent the seeds from rotting.
Special features of the species:
In addition to its impressive blossoms, a characteristic feature of the coral tree is its striking thorns. These sharp, curved thorns are found not only on the woody shoots but often also on the underside of the petioles of the trifoliate, leathery leaves. As a member of the pea family, it is capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in symbiosis with nodule bacteria on its roots, which makes it a very undemanding and robust plant.
Growth habit, location, and care:
In Central Europe, the coral tree is cultivated as a vigorous container plant that develops a thick, often gnarled and very picturesque trunk over the years. It requires a full-sun, extremely warm, and sheltered location. During the summer growing season, the plant has high water and nutrient requirements. The substrate should be structurally stable and permeable – upgrading the soil with mineral components like pumice, zeolite, or lava is ideal here, as this ensures an adequate water supply while maintaining good drainage. The shrub must be brought inside before the first frost. Since the coral tree sheds its leaves in winter, it can be easily overwintered in a dark and cool place (at about 5 to 10 degrees Celsius). Before moving it indoors or in early spring, the plant should be pruned back heavily, as the flower buds always form on the new, current year's shoots.
Blossom and ornamental value:
Between early summer and autumn, the plant unfolds large, raceme-like inflorescences at the ends of the young shoots. The dense, intensely crimson pea-shaped flowers have a waxy texture and are strongly reminiscent of a rooster's comb in shape – which explains the Latin species name "crista-galli" (rooster's comb). In its natural habitat, these colorful, nectar-rich flowers are an absolute magnet for hummingbirds and butterflies.
History and origin:
The coral tree originates from South America, where its natural distribution range covers large parts of Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay. There, it prefers to grow in humid lowlands, in gallery forests, and along watercourses such as the Río Paraná. Due to its immense cultural and aesthetic significance, it is deeply revered in its South American home: in Argentina and Uruguay, the coral tree, usually called "Ceibo" there, is the official national flower and a strong symbol of regional nature connection.