Erythrina flabelliformis aka Chilicote

Q: What are the water needs for Chilicote

Chilicote should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Q: What is the right soil for Chilicote

Chilicote loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Q: What is the sunlight requirement for Chilicote

Chilicote requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Chilicote will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Taxonomy ID: 4177

Genus Erythrina Family Fabaceae Order Fabales Class Magnoliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta

Erythrina flabelliformis has the common name coral bean tree. It belongs to Fabaceae, the pea and bean family. It grows wild in Arizona, New Mexico, and Mexico. Kew places it in deserts or dry shrubland. It is not native to Britain or Ireland. These records place its wild range in southwestern North America. They also link this plant with dry places to grow.

The sources differ on this plant’s woody form. Kew calls it a shrub. Chicago Botanic Garden calls it a tree with an upright shape. Both names fit the records: shrub or tree. Neither source gives its full height or spread. So neither tells us how large it may grow in gardens. The species records give no facts about bark or leaves. The RHS page describes leaves for the genus alone. A genus is a group of related species. Those broad traits do not show this species’ exact leaf form.

Chicago Botanic Garden lists red and orange flowers. Its bloom dates run from January through February, then March through April. So the listed bloom season spans January to April. The entry does not say if climate shifts these dates. It gives no facts about flower shape or scent. The species records do not describe its fruits or seeds. Nor do they name the animals that pollinate its flowers. These are animals that move pollen from flower to flower. The records show two traits of value for garden display. These are its flower colors and its upright form.

Chicago Botanic Garden says to grow it in full sun and dry soil. It lists USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11. These facts guide the choice of garden site and climate. The source gives no plan for when to water. It does not state a soil texture or pH range. Its plant page is an archived record. The last work to keep it current predates February 2022. The records do not show growth rate or pruning needs. They give no account of pests or diseases for this species. Nor do they show if it is safe to eat or toxic. The common name does not prove any part is safe. These records confirm no use as food or medicine.

Common names

Chilicote, Western Coral Bean, Coralbean

More information about Chilicote

What are the water needs for Chilicote

💧 Dry

Chilicote should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

What is the right soil for Chilicote

Chilicote loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

What is the sunlight requirement for Chilicote

Chilicote requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Chilicote will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

How to fertilize Chilicote

The growth of Chilicote is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Is Chilicote toxic to humans/pets?

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

More info:
Wikipedia • GBIF

Report a problem • Suggest Edit

Sources

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