Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Erythrina speciosa, commonly known as mulungu or coral tree, is native to tropical South America, especially Brazil. This fast-growing, deciduous tree is valued for its showy clusters of bright red, tubular flowers that attract birds and other pollinators. It typically has a spiny trunk and branches, along with broad, trifoliate leaves. Widely planted as an ornamental, it is used in tropical landscapes for its striking appearance and as a shade tree. In its native range, it has also been used in traditional medicine and agroforestry systems.

Risks & Threats:
In Hawaiʻi, Erythrina speciosa is naturalized on Oʻahu and possesses traits that are cause for concern. It can grow rapidly, reproduce effectively, and spread into disturbed areas, increasing its potential to escape cultivation. Like other coral trees, it may form dense stands that outcompete native plants and alter ecosystem structure. These characteristics indicate it could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems if its spread continues. Because of these risks, it is recommended to choose a low-risk or native alternative for landscaping.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in Norfolk Island and Hawaii (Oahu)
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Armed with spines
  
• Tolerates many soil conditions (and potentially able to exploit many different habitat types)
  
• N-fixing (may alter soil chemistry)
  
• Branch fragments can root; spreads vegetatively
  
• Possibly water-dispersed
  
• Hard seeds likely persist in seed bank

Low Risk Traits:

• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• Large pods and seeds unlikely to be inadvertently dispersed