Scientific name: Erythrina eggersii

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 59.34″ N, 64° 49′ 40.89″ W

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Eggers’ Coral Tree (Erythrina eggersii)

1. Leaf Behavior
This species is deciduous, shedding its trifoliate leaves during the dry season, particularly from January through March in St. Croix.

• Leaves consist of three broad leaflets, often with a soft, velvety texture when young.
• A pronounced leaf flush occurs after the first rains or just prior to flowering.

Observation Tips:

• Track complete canopy loss, especially in peak dry season.
• Watch for flushes of new, tender leaves, typically beginning March–April.

2. Flowering
The tree produces brilliant scarlet to coral-red flowers, arranged in dense terminal racemes (elongated clusters at branch tips).

• Flowering is most prominent just before or during early leaf flush, often when branches are still bare.
• Blooming typically occurs from March to May.
• Flowers are highly attractive to hummingbirds and bees.

Observation Tips:

• Document first bloom, peak bloom, and bloom fade.
• Capture images of bare-branch flowering—a signature visual.
• Note hummingbird activity during morning hours.

3. Fruiting
Fruits are elongated, cylindrical seed pods, containing dark seeds separated by slight constrictions (giving a “beads-on-a-string” appearance).

• Pods mature in late spring to summer and may persist on the tree after drying.
• Seed pods split open to release seeds by late summer.

Observation Tips:

• Record pod formation, drying, and dehiscence (splitting).
• Note seed fall zones and potential germination sites.

4. Growth & Conservation Note

• Erythrina eggersii is listed as endangered due to habitat loss and limited distribution.
• It often grows in coastal scrub, dry forests, or rocky outcrops, requiring good drainage and sunlight.
• Monitoring phenology contributes directly to conservation efforts and seed viability studies.

5. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

• Jan–Mar: Leaf drop
• Mar–May: Peak flowering and early leaf flush
• May–Jul: Fruiting
• Jul–Oct: Seed dispersal and full canopy
• Nov–Dec: Canopy maintenance or thinning depending on rainfall