Bat’s Wing Coral Tree, Grey Corkwood
Erythrina vespertilio
Family: Fabaceae
What it is like
A deciduous tree. It grows to 15-30 m high and spreads to 5 m across. The stem is erect and stout. The trunk can be 25-90 cm across. It tends to be a slender tree. The bark is rough and has prickles. The small branches are thorny. The leaves have 3 leaflets. The leaflets are broadly wedge shaped at the base. The leaflets are 7-12 cm long and 5-12 cm wide. They are divided into 2 lobes. The leaves vary a lot in shape but are often like a bat in flight. The flowers are pea shaped and red. They are 4 cm long. They occur in loose clusters 5-25 cm long. These occur on the ends of branches. The fruit are pods 6-12 cm long by 1.5 cm wide. They are uneven and black. They contain 2-8 seeds. The seeds are about 1.2 cm long. They are red or orange and glossy.
There are 108 Erythrina species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It prefers light to medium soils. The soil needs to be well drained but can be of poor fertility. It needs an open sunny position. It can withstand drought and frost. Often they grow near the edges of rainforests but can also occur in dry open country. Plants do not suit cool, misty or humid conditions. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Hawaii, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, USA
How it is used for food
The roots are eaten raw.
It mainly occurs in Australia and has been introduced to Papua New Guinea.
Edible parts
Root
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. The seed need to be treated to break the hard seed coat. Cuttings can be grafted onto seedling plants. Young trees transplant easily when leafless.
Its other names
Local names
Aranyi, Bean Tree, Coral Tree, Goomurrie, Kuntan, Yirrikarluwuni