Common coral tree (lucky-bean tree, umsinsi) Erythrina lysistemon
Common coral tree (lucky-bean tree, umsinsi) (Erythrina lysistemon) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Eastern southern Africa (Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal to Limpopo, Botswana and Mozambique). It grows 6–10 m (20–33 ft) tall and 5–8 m (16–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
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Common coral tree (lucky-bean tree, umsinsi) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 6–10 m (20–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 5–8 m (16–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Eastern southern Africa (Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal to Limpopo, Botswana and Mozambique) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇦🇺 Australia, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Common coral tree (lucky-bean tree, umsinsi) toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds, bark
The red-and-black "lucky bean" seeds contain erythrina alkaloids and are poisonous if chewed; keep them from children and pets. Hooked prickles on stems.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Common coral tree (lucky-bean tree, umsinsi)
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Common coral tree (lucky-bean tree, umsinsi)
- How far apart should I plant Common coral tree (lucky-bean tree, umsinsi)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 5–8 m (16–26 ft).
- Does Common coral tree (lucky-bean tree, umsinsi) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Common coral tree (lucky-bean tree, umsinsi) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Common coral tree (lucky-bean tree, umsinsi)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Common coral tree (lucky-bean tree, umsinsi) flower?
- From about February for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Common coral tree (lucky-bean tree, umsinsi) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. The red-and-black "lucky bean" seeds contain erythrina alkaloids and are poisonous if chewed; keep them from children and pets. Hooked prickles on stems.
- What grows well with Common coral tree (lucky-bean tree, umsinsi)?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade A (A: strong evidence).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden: gardens and collections, South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)
Notes and assumptions
- Bare branches are covered in late winter with scarlet flower spikes that feed sunbirds. Easily grown from large truncheons; traditionally planted on graves and around chiefs’ homesteads in KwaZulu-Natal. Leaves of three triangular leaflets.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis