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Erythrina caffra, Coral Tree

The small to medium size of Coral Tree makes it suited for planting in small residential lots as well as in parks, golf courses and in other large-scale landscapes. Without pruning a training, multiple trunks ascend from the lower portion of the main trunk giving rise to a wide-spreading canopy casting dense shade. Trees do not compartmentalize decay well resulting in potentially extensive decay from trunk injuries or large pruning cuts so train to the desirable form early. Trees are tolerant of urban conditions and have performed well as street trees. Pollen can cause mild allergy reactions.

Coral tree is among those susceptible to summer branch drop according to surveys in California. Summer branch drop is a phenomena resulting in failure and breakage of large diameter, live branches typically on calm summer days. Bark inclusions in the branch unions are common and can lead to branch breakage at the union. Prune to one trunk and shorten limbs with bark inclusions to help prevent failure.