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Cocks Comb Coral Tree
Environmental Weed
Botanical name: Erythrina crista-galli
Photo: Ku-ring-gai Council
Description
A hardy, quick growing small tree from Brazil reaching 5m in height in temperate climates. It prefers moist soil in areas such as wetlands and rainforest edges.
Compound trifoliate leaves with prickles on stems.
Pronounced long shoots of scarlett red "bird attracting" pea flowers in spring and summer.
Dispersal
Spreads by seed and suckering. Branches should not be left on the ground as they can re-grow into new plants.
Impact on bushland
Invades natural areas such as hind-dunes, rainforests, wetlands and saltmarshes. In gullies it spreads vigorously and replaces native canopy trees.
Control
Manual:
- Do not leave branches on the ground, as they can re-establish into new plants.
- Small specimens can be cut and painted, applying an undiluted Glyphosate-based product.
- Large trees can be frilled, applying an undiluted Glyphosate-based product.
See Manual Weed Control Techniques.
Chemical: Please contact your local control authority for advice on chemical control.
Similar species
Cocks Comb Coral tree can be confused with a native species "Bats Wing Coral Tree" (Erythrina vespertilio). This species has a smaller leaf with a more pronounced point. Bat's Wing is usually found on the edges of dry rainforest north of Grafton.
Suggested alternatives
Crepe Myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica)