Erythrina lysistemon is a species of deciduous tree in the pea family, Fabaceae, that is native to South Africa. Common names include the common coral tree and lucky bean tree. The beans are a brilliant red, with a black ‘eye’ and were used as ornaments and worn in necklaces or armlets as charms for luck, whence the vernacular name.
My cousin sent me this photograph last week, of lucky beans he arranged in a heart shape on a park bench.
