Mulungu
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(Erythrina verna)
Mulungu (Erythrina verna)
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mauro halpern
CC BY 2.0
Image By:
mauro halpern
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Copyright:
CC BY 2.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: mauro halpern | License Type: CC BY 2.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/ | Uploader: mauro halpern | Publisher: Flickr
Summary
Erythrina verna, commonly known as Mulungu, is a deciduous tree native to the cerrado savannas and caatinga scrublands of Brazil. It is often found in well-drained, sandy soils and is adapted to regions with distinct wet and dry seasons. This species can reach up to 30-40 feet (9-12 meters) in height and has a spreading canopy. Mulungu is notable for its striking appearance, with a smooth, reddish-brown bark and bright orange-red, coral-like flowers that bloom in the Brazilian summer, attracting pollinators such as hummingbirds and bees.
Mulungu is valued for its ornamental flowers and is used in tropical and subtropical landscapes. It is also recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional Brazilian medicine, where it is used for its calming effects. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry periods. It is not commonly found in the nursery trade but can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Mulungu is valued for its ornamental flowers and is used in tropical and subtropical landscapes. It is also recognized for its medicinal properties, particularly in traditional Brazilian medicine, where it is used for its calming effects. In cultivation, it requires well-drained soils and full sun to partial shade. While it is drought-tolerant once established, it benefits from regular watering during prolonged dry periods. It is not commonly found in the nursery trade but can be propagated from seeds or cuttings.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 20-30 feet
- Width: 15-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Red
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Drainage: Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Cerrado savannas and caatinga scrublands
Other Names
Common Names: Coral Tree, Mulungu
Scientific Names: Erythrina verna, Erythrina flammea
GBIF Accepted Name: Erythrina verna