Coral tree

(Erythrina speciosa)

At last the wind has dropped, along with lots of exotic windfalls lying on the ground - from sections of cacti and succulents to kapok tree fruits and nuts of various shapes and sizes.

The brilliant red flowers on this coral tree looked spectacular against the blue sky - see Extras, for a collage. The species orginated in Brasil, but this tree is growing in Santa Catarina Park in Funchal. I do enjoy the things one sees in a photograph that the naked eye misses: in this case the sharp thorns on the branches of the tree!

We've seen lots of brave/eccentric grey-haired English visitors baring their all in shorts, crop trousers and scanty tee-shirts, but I'm afraid it was still a jumper and coat for me. Still not red hot!