Family: Fabaceae
Coral tree is a flowering tree with a dense, upright crown. The trunk has a broad base, three diamond-shaped leaflets make up the compound leaf, flowers are claw-shaped, and curved spines adorn the tree. The leaves can be solid green or variegated. Branches are bare in the winter as the coral tree deciduous. The coral tree puts on brilliant displays of red or white flowers.
The coral tree has an extensive geographic distribution and is widely cultivated in warm areas of the world. It has a plethora of uses: agroforestry, structure support for vining crops, nitrogen fixation, shade, medicine, food, cosmetics, fiber, paper, wooden implements, and tools.
Air layering and cuttings are the only way to ensure offspring will look like the parent tree.
Coral trees and the native wiliwili share similar characteristics, habitats, and pests as they are relatives.
Plant Uses:
- Container plant
- Edible
- Lei flower
- Nitrogen fixer
- Ornamental
- Privacy / screening
- Shade
- Specimen
- Windbreak
- Woodworking
Plant Dangers:
- No dangers
High Risk Traits:
- Broad climate suitability (wide altitudinal and climatic range)
- History of repeated introductions outside native range
- Congeneric weed
- Host for crop pests and pathogens
- Tolerates wide range of soil conditions (saline, waterlogged, poor, limestone)
- Nitrogen-fixing (can alter soil nutrients)
- Produces viable seed
- Propagules dispersed intentionally by people
- Persistent seed bank (seeds require scarification)
- Tolerates coppicing and mutilation
Low Risk Traits:
- No evidence of naturalization outside native range
- Not reported as a weed (garden, agricultural, or environmental)
- Thornless in some varieties
- Not allelopathic or toxic to animals
- Not shade tolerant
- Does not form dense thickets
- No wind, bird, or animal dispersal
- Not a prolific seed producer
