So what is it? * Updated

Category: Flower Pics | Posted: Fri Nov 03, 2006 2:13 am

I was told this was a Coral Vine, but it certainly doesn't look like one, nor is it a vine. It's a small tree, large bush. The flowers resemble slipper flowers and has wicked sharp thorns.

It's about 6 foot tall. It dies back and returns year after year. It's about 22 years old.

Been on the corner of my grandmothers porch for nearly as long as I can remember. I know us kids hated it because of the thorns, you have to be careful running off the porch lol

I thought I wanted to take some with me until I saw what a job it was going to be to get any of it. Have no clue if it can be started with a slip or not.

At least I got photos earlier so I can see it whenever I want. The old house is slated to be torn down next year.

Well, well. I found out what it is.

Erythrina crista-galli Cockspur Coral Tree

Close enough to the coral vine name I guess. Can grow up to 20 feet. I wonder if the colder climate keeps it this small?

I can start one with either the seeds or softwood cuttings in early summer, or semi-ripe cuttings in late summer, both with bottom heat.

Last edited: Fri Nov 03, 2006 2:27 am

This blog entry has been viewed 2373 times

Comments (6) | Leave a Comment

You're reading one of many blogs on GardenStew.com.
Register for free and start your own blog today.

Comments

pondlady wrote on Fri Nov 03, 2006 3:03 am:

Yet another incredible photo! No matter the name of the tree/vine, the picture is great!

glendann wrote on Fri Nov 03, 2006 4:57 am:

Wow,I love that Flower .Thanks for the great picture .I never heard or seen one but I do love it.

Gardenstew wrote on Fri Nov 03, 2006 11:24 am:

That looks magnificent. How did you find out what is was LS?

eileen wrote on Fri Nov 03, 2006 12:50 pm:

Drooling here - I would love to have a shrub just like that in my garden. I'm off to look for some info on it.

LittleSister wrote on Fri Nov 03, 2006 10:52 pm:

I searched on google for Coral + tree + vine and got a bunch of links. The third one I went to had a diagram of that exact flower. So choose that name and did an image search and there she be!

Thanks for looking! I may take some cuttings and see how they root for me.

cajunbelle wrote on Sun Dec 31, 2006 2:01 pm:

Don't know how I missed this one., The old lady down from where we used to live called it a cry baby bush. I have seeds for them and need to try them, quite lovely in bloom.