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 afra (Previously known as Erythrina caffra and renamed to the more appropriate Erythrina afra) commonly known as Coast Coral Tree is widely loved for its warm red to scarlet-coloured flowers, which appear from the cold winter months up to spring. Its popularity can be ascribed to its ease of cultivation and long flowering period. The coastal coral tree is indigenous to South Africa and is an ideal garden plant and, because of its unique appearance, has continued to draw the interest of botanists, horticulturist, nature lovers, and the general gardening public for many decades. In South Africa, Erythrina afra is seen as a royal tree: it is a much respected and admired tree in the Zulu culture and is believed to have magic properties. Specimens have been planted on the graves of many Zulu chiefs. In parts of the Eastern Cape, local inhabitants will not burn the wood of Erythrina afra for fear of attracting lightning. Erythrina afra is a medium-sized to large deciduous tree, 9-12 x 7-11 m. Its size depends largely on the climate and soil conditions. This species forms a round headed, spreading canopy and has a beautifully light green appearance when in leaf. Trees may even reach a height of 20 m in coastal and forested regions where the conditions are optimal. Some of the largest and most beautiful specimens grow in the Addo National Park’s Alexandria Forest where, next to the yellowwoods, they are the tallest trees. The trunk and branches are grey, sometimes set with short, sharp prickles. The leaves closely resemble those of a sister species, Erythrina lysistemon (sacred coral tree), which is why it was for many years thought to be the same species. When not in flower it can be rather difficult to tell the two species apart. The flowers are spectacular and are produced before the leaves appear and carried in large clusters at the ends of thick, fleshy stalks. Superficially they are shaped like cockscombs. Flowering starts from winter and carries on throughout spring. Erythrina afra has mainly orange-scarlet flowers with a tinge of terracotta, in contrast to the clear scarlet of Erythrina lysistemon. There are also rare forms of Erythrina afra, which bear cream-coloured flowers.