| Erythrina variegata | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Tree inMunnar,Kerala, India. | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Subfamily: | Faboideae |
| Genus: | Erythrina |
| Species: | E. variegata |
| Binomial name | |
| Erythrina variegata | |
Erythrina variegata, commonly known astiger's claw[2] orIndian coral tree,[3] is a species ofErythrina native to the tropical and subtropical regions of eastern Africa, theIndian subcontinent, northern Australia, and the islands of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean east toFiji.[3]
E. variegata is a thornydeciduoustree growing to 27 m (89 ft) tall. Theleaves are pinnate with a 20 cm (7.9 in)petiole and three leaflets, each leaflet up to 20 cm (7.9 in) long and broad. It has dense clusters of scarlet or crimsonflowers and blackseeds.[4]
Notably, crows have been observed contributing to the pollination of the Indian coral tree by feeding on its nectar-rich flowers.[citation needed]
Erythrina variegata is valued as anornamental tree. Severalcultivars have been selected, including 'Alba' with white flowers.[4]
In Vietnam, the leaves are used to wrapfermented meat (Vietnamese:nem).
E. variegata is known asdapdap in many languages of thePhilippines[5] where its bark and leaves are used in alternative medicine.[6]
E. variegata is often used in agroforestry systems. It can be used for fodder as its foliage has a good nutritive value for most livestock.[7]
The seeds are poisonous in their raw state but can be cooked and eaten. Along with the bark, the seeds were used to stupefy fish, making them easier to catch.[8]
The Formosan aboriginalPuyuma tribe carve amortar called a taur from the trunk of the tree. It is used for pounding sticky rice that is later to be steamed.[citation needed]
E. variegata was designated the official flower ofOkinawa Prefecture in 1967. Thedeigo flower features in the popular song "Shima Uta" byThe Boom, one of the most well-known songs associated with Okinawa. In addition, the use of the wood of thedeigo tree is one of the unique characteristics ofRyukyuan lacquerware.
In Sri Lanka, the blossoming flowers of the tree are associated with the advent of the Sri Lankan (April) New Year. This plant is known asErabadu (Sinhala: එරබදු) in Sinhalese.
InFiji —known asdrala,drara orrara— its flowering season marks the traditional time to planttaro.[9] InMangaia, it marks the arrival ofkingfishers and the nesting ofblack-winged petrels.[10]
Fiji crested iguanas can be found withinErythrina variegata ("rara") trees.[11]: 229, 240
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Media related toErythrina variegata at Wikimedia Commons
