Erythrina crista-galli

Erythrina crista-galli, commonly known as the Cockspur Coral Tree, Cry-Baby Tree, or simply Coral Tree, is a spectacular flowering plant native to South America, particularly Argentina, Uruguay, southern Brazil, and Paraguay. Revered for its striking red flowers and cultural significance, it holds the honor of being the national flower of Argentina and Uruguay. With its fiery blossoms and ornamental elegance, Erythrina crista-galli is much more than a decorative plant—it's a botanical symbol of resilience, beauty, and regional identity.

The most defining feature of Erythrina crista-galli is its bold, scarlet-red flowers, which bloom in dense, upright racemes. Each individual flower is shaped like a stylized beak, consistent with the species name “crista-galli,” which translates to "cock’s comb" in Latin, referring to the crest of a rooster. These flowers are not just visually striking—they are also nectar-rich, attracting hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

The blooming of the Coral Tree is an event in itself. Against a backdrop of bare or sparsely-leaved branches, the bright red flowers dominate the landscape, making the tree appear as if it’s on fire. The vibrant red is often associated with passion, strength, and patriotic pride in the cultures where the tree is revered.Erythrina crista-galli prefers warm, temperate to subtropical climates and thrives in moist, well-drained soils. It is deciduous, meaning it sheds its leaves in winter and begins flowering before new foliage emerges. The plant is tolerant of periodic flooding, which makes it suitable for riparian planting and swampy areas.

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