CORAL TREE

1. Deciduous tree up to 12m tall. Bark is greenish to pale grey-brown on younger trees and grey-brown on older trees.
2. Has 3 heart shaped leaves with leaf stalk up to 160mm long.
3. Flowers appear before leafing and are up to 90mm long. Colours are red or white. Flowering from June to October.
4. Hooked spines on stems.

1. Reproduction
   1. Pods are black and narrow curved pods and up to 210mm long. Seeds germinate easily. Soak overnight in warm water until swollen, then plant. Germination is after 7-20 days.
   2. Cuttings and truncheons take without root hormones. Good drainage is required to avoid rotting.
2. Pruning
   1. Growth rate is fast and will produce a complete branch in one season. Branches are very straight and wiring is required to produce movement. Constant pruning is required for leaf reduction. Remove the outer 3^rd leaf for compact growth.
3. Wiring
   1. Wires can be removed in 3 months. Due to its rapid growth watch for wire damage.
4. Repotting
   1. Root system is aggressive and requires repotting every two years. Repot in spring if the tree has not flowered.
5. Feeding
   1. Throughout the year. To induce flowering stop feeding in Autumn.
6. Pests
   1. Bark is soft allowing for burrowing insects.
7. Soil
   1. Well drained soil.
8. Watering
   1. Very drought resistant.
   2. To induce flowering very little water in winter.
9. Collected trees.
10. Climate/placement
    1. Can survive light frost, where the apex dies and produces new leaders in spring.
11. Styles
    1. Only informal upright.