coral bean tree

9.3

A small tree with bright red flowers and red seeds with black spots

noun

: árbol de frijol coral

The striking red flowers of the coral bean tree attract hummingbirds throughout the spring.

Examples

Gardeners appreciate the coral bean tree for its ornamental seeds and drought tolerance.
We planted a coral bean tree near the fence to add color to the garden.
The coral bean tree blooms beautifully in the spring.
Have you seen a coral bean tree before?
The striking red flowers of the coral bean tree attract hummingbirds throughout the spring.
Gardeners appreciate the coral bean tree for its ornamental seeds and drought tolerance.
We planted a coral bean tree near the fence to add color to the garden.

Synonyms

Erythrina corallodendrum

vscoral bean tree

Specialized

9.9

A small tree or shrub from the Caribbean with bright red flowers and red seeds with black spots

is native to southeastern United States and Central America rather than Caribbean

coral tree

vscoral bean tree

Specialized

6.8

A small tree or bush with three-part leaves and bright red flowers grown for decoration

is the specific plant native to southeastern United States and Central America

Surface Forms

coral bean tree singular

coral bean trees plural

Morphology

coral + bean + tree

The noun is a straightforward compound: 'coral' (a pinkish/red color) + 'bean' (seedlike pod) + 'tree' describes a tree characterized by coral-coloured, beanlike seeds or flowers, so the meaning is directly compositional. This plant-naming pattern is common in English and cross-linguistically, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words can reasonably infer the referent.

Etymology

Coral bean tree: The name coral bean tree comes from the plant's bright red flowers and small red seeds. The word coral points to the bright 'red' color and bean points to the small 'seed' shape, so the name helps you picture the plant.