This flowery shrub blankets the island.
BY TESS MALONE
Ruby-red flowers bloom in the sandy soils of Jekyll Island. Their boldly hued tubular petals climb thorny spindles from a lanky shrub, and their coral-colored seeds are shaped like beans—hence the “surf ‘n turf” name of the glossy-leaved plant known as coral bean. From the high marshes to the open woodlands and even on the side of the roads, this Southeastern perennial covers the island.
Coral bean (Erythrina herbacea) can be easily added to any garden. “Coral bean plants are drought-tolerant, making them a beautiful and ideal choice for low-maintenance landscaping in areas with water restrictions,” says Jekyll Island land management technician Morgan Pierce. But their beauty isn’t confined to the garden; their scarlet seeds make great beads for necklaces and bracelets, too.
Despite its legume look, coral bean is toxic, though hummingbirds pollinate the fiery florals and can be wooed to a garden with coral bean. Indigenous cultures reportedly relied on coral bean for medicines. These days, it’s probably best to simply enjoy their beauty.
