Botanical Name

Erythrina stricta

Family

Fabaceae

Sanskrit name

Paaribhadra

English name

Corky Coral Tree

Hindi

Dhauldhak

Kannada

Keechige

Habit

Tree

Habitat

In tropical and subtropical forests. River side and mountain slopes.

Plant Description

Corky Coral Tree is a medium sized throny tree with distinctly orange, corky bark and an irregular crown. The tree is a captivating sight when in bloom, with clusters of bright, orange-scarlet up-facing flower clusters sitting at the end of branchlets like exotic water-lilies. Leaves are compound with three broad leaflets, the middle one the largest. Flowers have 5 petals of unequal length, and 10 stamens.

Distribution

South East Asia

Religious significance

Fragrance during worship (Hindu, Christian, Muslim and Budhhism religions.

Part Used

Stem bark

Medicinal uses

Used in fever, cough, sore throat, joint pain , ear ache

Other uses

Bright red flowers yield a colour used in dyes. Wood is used to make household utensils.

Ecological significance

Flowers attracts various birds and insects