Erythrina is a genus of flowering plants in the pea family, Fabaceae. It contains about 130 species, which are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. They are shrubs or trees, growing up to 30m in height. They are popular bonsai subjects and are popular choices for bird gardeners. The generic name is derived from the Greek word erythros, meaning red, referring to the flower colour of certain species. Particularly in horticulture, the name coral tree is used as a collective term for these plants. “Flame trees” is another vernacular name, but may refer to a number of unrelated plants as well. Many species of Erythrina have bright red flowers, and this may be the origin of the common name.

Erythrina latissima, commonly known as Broad-leaved Coral Tree, is an eye-catching, small to medium-sized South African indigenous tree, 5 to 8 m tall when mature. The trunk and branches have prominent thorns and thick, corky bark. Unlike the other Erythrina species the large leaves of Erythrina latissima are soft and velvety when borne, becoming grey-green and leathery as they mature. In early spring, before the new leaves appear, the whole tree is covered in scarlet flowers. The tree is fairly slow growing, taking 20 to 30 years to form a reasonable canopy and will live for over a hundred years.