Adenanthera pavonina aka Coralwood

Adenanthera pavonina grows fast and belongs to the pea family, Fabaceae. It is native from tropical Asia to northern Australia. Its names include red sandalwood, coralwood, and coral pea tree. It grows in lowland forests and takes root on disturbed ground. People grow it across the tropics for shade and other uses.

In gardens, it reaches about 59 feet [18 metres] tall. Its crown can spread to 33 feet [10 metres]. Other accounts give heights of 20–66 feet [6–20 metres]. The wide crown has fine leaves with a feathery look. The tree sheds its leaves. Yet it may stay bare for just a few days. Some trees grow several stems, not one main trunk. Older trees may form small buttresses, or flared supports, at the trunk base. The trunk can reach 1.5 feet [0.45 metres] across.

The cream-coloured flowers have a scent. They draw insects that pollinate them. PFAF says blooms appear from early spring through late summer. Fruit follows from midsummer into autumn. The seed pods split open and release bright red seeds. People use these seeds to make necklaces. Its broad crown suits use as a street or specimen tree. Growers also use it to shade coffee and other tropical crops.

This tree suits warm, humid lowlands in the tropics and subtropics. It grows best in sun. One account says it can take light shade. Give it moist soil that drains well. It accepts sand, loam, and clay, as well as poor soils. It also grows in soils with a wide range of pH. PFAF lists USDA zones 10–12 and warns that frost harms it. The tree does not cope well with wind. Sources warn it may become a weed. Check local risks before planting.

The tree fixes nitrogen and can help restore cleared land. Growers use its fallen leaves as green manure. It gives timber and shelter for trees that grow more slowly. People eat the young leaves cooked and use the flowers as food. Raw seeds are poisonous. Do not eat them untreated. Sources describe eating cooked seeds, including boiling them to reduce their toxicity. These food uses do not make raw seeds safe. Leaves, bark, and wood have uses in traditional medicine too. Reported lab findings do not prove that home treatments are safe or that they work.