Erythrina Indica, Coral Tree - 0.5 kg Seeds

Indian Coral Tree (Erythrina variegata, syn. Erythrina indica), called pangara, is a fast-growing deciduous tree with a spreading crown, thick prickly branches and large trifoliate leaves. In the leafless season it bears spectacular dense clusters of scarlet, claw-shaped flowers, followed by constricted pods.

Its flaming flowers make it a favourite ornamental and avenue tree, and as a nitrogen-fixing legume it is widely used as a living fence, a shade and support tree for pepper, betel and vanilla vines, and a source of green manure and fodder; it also has traditional medicinal uses. It grows easily from cuttings or seed. In India it is found along the coasts and in the plains throughout the warmer regions.

• Family: Fabaceae
• Native region: Coastal India and the Indo-Pacific
• Mature height: 15–20 m
• Growth rate: Fast

The hard-coated red seeds benefit from pre-treatment: nick or lightly scarify the coat, or soak the seeds in water for 24 hours until they swell. Sow them about 1–2 cm deep in polybags or nursery beds of well-drained soil; germination is usually 7–14 days in warm conditions. Grow the seedlings on and transplant the sturdy young plants to a sunny site.