September 2008 - Arbor month .

Friends of de Waal Park planted 2 additional Erythrina caffra close to the existing one which was severely copiced when an Oak fell on it during a storm.  Councillor Belinda Walker and Chairman Mike Bozassa did the planting during a happy ceremony, celebrating our first year of 'official' existance. 

•   A spectacular  tree as this will inspire many stories and superstitions. Which are not all that far-fetched if one carefully observes its habitat, or just simply considers the emotions that the colour red inspires in many cultures. 
• Genus:Erythrina derives it name from the Greek erythros meaning red. Both the flowers and seeds are  'red/orange'  (Keep your eyes open for a RARE white one, and bring a cutting or truncheon to de Waal Park!)
• Common Names: Coastal Coral, Kanniedood(Afrikaans), unsintsi (Xhosa) unsinsi (Zulu)
• Habitat : The are approx 100 Erythrina in the warm regions of the world.  Nine of which occur in southern Africa the most common most probably E. Lysistemon and E.Caffra   It occurs in coastal forest and riverine fringe forests.   This and their hardy nature give rise to their common names. 
• Size medium to large - 9 to 12M but can reach 20M in favourable conditions(not de Waal Park)
• Bark is grey, with short, sharp prickles. 

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