Erythrina crista-galli - Cockspur Coral Tree

Phylum: Magnoliophyta - Class: Magnoliopsida - Order: Sapindales - Family: Aceraceae

Erythrina crista-galli, commonly known as the Cockspur Coral Tree, is a flowering tree of the Fabacea (pea) family and is native to Argentina, Uraguay, Brazil and Paraguay.

The pictures shown on this page were taken in Buenos Aires, Argentina during March.

Its bright red blossom is the national flower of Argentina, where the tree is planted in parks and roadsides throughout the country. Many particularly fine specimens can be seen in the capital, Buenos Aires. In its natural habitat this tree favours damp habitats and grows along the edges of watercourses.

The seeds mature in pods (see above) similar to those of broad beans.