Crybabytree
Erythrina crista-galli
- Native to:
- Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay
Rjcastillo
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Erythrina
- Species:
- Erythrina crista-galli
- USDA Symbol:
- ERCR6
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 800 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- red
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Sky-pointing moth (Agathodes designalis)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- hummingbirds, bees
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers fertile soils in native range
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Warm then cold/moist stratification (double dormancy) — 30–60 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 14–30 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water) followed by warm stratification then cold stratification.