Erythrina vespertilio (Bat's Wing Coral Tree)

Erythrina vespertilio, commonly known as bat's wing coral tree, is a small, often irregularly branched tree in the Fabaceae family, native to northern and central Australia. The trunk and branches may bear stout thorns. Its distinctive compound leaves usually consist of three leaflets, although two may sometimes occur. The leaflets are broadly wedge-shaped and characteristically lobed, often with two prominent spreading lateral lobes and a smaller central lobe, creating the bat-wing outline that gives the species its name. The tree is deciduous during the dry season and often flowers while leafless, producing terminal clusters of showy scarlet to orange-red pea-like flowers. These are followed by pods containing bright orange to red, bean-like seeds.

Erythrina vespertilio grows best in full sun and adapts to a wide range of soils provided drainage is good. Established trees tolerate seasonal dry conditions, reflecting their native habitat. Propagation is by seeds or cuttings; light scarification of the hard seed coat can help improve germination. Suitable for warm, dry tropical and subtropical gardens, it is generally grown in USDA Zones 9b-11 and should be protected from hard frost.