Southwestern Coralbean
Erythrina flabelliformis
Observed at Cochise Stronghold, Cochise Co., Arizona on 12 July 2009.
FLOWERS: Red. Long tubular and hummingbird pollinated. Flowers often
appear before the leaves appear.
ARMED: Small, sharp thorns along stem, and sometimes a sharp prickle on
the leaf midrib.
SHRUB: A medium to large shrub that is often leafless until the summer
rains hit. Branches are long and spindly.
LEAVES: Drought and frost deciduous leaves are trifoliate compound on
longish petioles.
RANGE: This plant is found in mountain foothills from the area of Tucson
west to Organ Pipe Monument and thence south into Mexico. It ranges as well
into the mountains of southestern Arizona.
FRUIT: A sturdy bean pod containing the bright coral-red beans.