Deciduous tree < 18 m tall. Trunk and branches have stout prickles. Leaves are compound with three leaflets, oval to heart-shaped, < 20 cm long and hairy maturing to smooth. Flowers are borne in clusters and are scarlet/dark orange, with one large recurved petal and a keel formed by two lower petals fused together. Seed pods are not formed.
Although coral tree is not a legally declared pest plant, it may still be invasive in some situations. Consider lower risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.
Coastal areas, forest and riparian margins, wetlands, open and disturbed sites, cliffs, roadsides.
Vegetative spread from suckering and stem fragments, dispersed by water. Human-mediated dispersal through dumping of garden waste and deliberate plantings.
Can form dense thickets, outcompeting and displacing native vegetation. Can alter riparian habitat.
Always treat standing plants, do not cut down as all stems will regrow. Allow to fully die before felling. Follow up treated areas 3 times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.
CAUTION: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
