Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Erythrina vespertilio, commonly known as bat-wing coral tree, bean tree, or grey corkwood, is native to northern and eastern Australia. This small to medium-sized deciduous tree is well known for its distinctive bat-shaped leaves, corky gray bark, and striking bright red flowers that bloom when the tree is leafless, attracting birds and other pollinators. It is often planted as an ornamental for its unique appearance and seasonal color, and it is also valued in arid and tropical landscapes for its drought tolerance and ability to improve soil through nitrogen fixation.

Risks & Threats:
This species is considered low risk and is not known to be invasive in Hawaiʻi. It has not shown a tendency to spread aggressively or form dense stands in natural areas. While it produces seeds that can germinate under suitable conditions, there is little evidence of naturalization or ecological impact. As with any introduced species, it should still be planted responsibly and monitored, but overall Erythrina vespertilio is regarded as a safe choice for landscaping in Hawaiʻi.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Reported as a weed within native range (unverified)
  
• Other species have become invasive
  
• Spiny
  
• Seeds reported to be toxic to humans (toxicity to animals unknown)
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• N-fixing (may alter soil chemistry)
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• May be self-compatible
  
• Seeds probably dispersed by water and intentionally by people
  
• Seeds able to be stored for extended periods; May form a persistent seed bank

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of naturalization
  
• Palatable to browsing animals (e.g. feral camels)
  
• Ornamental
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Seeds relatively large and unlikely to be accidentally dispersed