Erythrina variegata - Coral Tree Transform your landscape with the vibrant Erythrina variegata, commonly known as the Coral Tree or Tiger’s Claw Tree. Known for its striking flowers, unique foliage, and versatility, this fast-growing deciduous tree is a favorite for gardens, parks, and agricultural landscapes. Features: Mature Height: Grows up to 10–15 meters, with a spreading, umbrella-like canopy. Distinctive Leaves: The trifoliate leaves are large, glossy, and often feature a variegated pattern, giving the tree its ornamental appeal. Brilliant Flowers: Produces clusters of vivid red to orange, tubular flowers resembling coral, typically blooming before the leaves appear. Spiny Trunk: The trunk and branches are often covered with small spines, adding an intriguing texture to its appearance. Benefits: Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and birds, especially nectar-feeding species like hummingbirds. Fast-Growing: Rapid growth makes it ideal for quickly establishing shade or enhancing a landscape. Drought-Tolerant: Once established, it thrives in dry conditions, making it suitable for arid and semi-arid regions. Soil Enrichment: As a leguminous tree, it fixes nitrogen in the soil, improving fertility for nearby plants. Uses: Ornamental Landscaping: Ideal as a specimen tree or planted in rows for its showy flowers and striking silhouette. Shade Tree: Commonly used in coffee and cocoa plantations to provide shade for crops. Agroforestry: Used as a living fence, windbreak, or boundary marker in agricultural systems. Traditional Medicine: Various parts of the tree are used in traditional remedies to treat wounds, infections, and inflammation. Timber and Craft: The lightweight wood is used for making tools, carvings, and musical instruments. Adaptability: Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, tolerating a range of temperatures and rainfall levels. Soil: Adapts well to various soil types, including sandy and clay soils, but prefers well-drained conditions. Growth Habit: Can be pruned to maintain a specific shape or height, making it versatile for different landscaping needs.
