Indian coral tree

Erythrina variegata (syn. E. indica Lam., E. variegata var. orientalis (L.) Merr.; tiger's claw, Indian coral tree and sunshine tree; Tamil: Murukku/Kalyana Murungai, முருக்கு/ கல்யாண முருங்கை; Pali: pāricchattaka; Sanskrit: pārijāta, पारिजात) is a species of Erythrina native to the tropical and subtropical regions of eastern Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, northern Australia, and the islands of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean east to Fiji. E. variegata is a thorny deciduous tree growing to 27 m (89 ft) tall. The leaves 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 crimson flowers and black seeds. Erythrina variegata is valued as an ornamental tree. Several cultivars have been selected, including 'Alba' with white flowers. In Vietnam, the leaves are used to wrap fermented meat (Vietnamese: nem). E. variegata is known as dapdap in the Philippines where its bark and leaves are used in alternative medicine. In Siddha medicine, it is used especially for menstrual disorders and fissures at penis tip (Tamil: ஆண்குறிப்புண்). 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. E. variegata was designated the official flower of Okinawa Prefecture in 1967. The deigo flower features in the popular song 'Shima Uta' by The Boom, one of the most well-known songs associated with Okinawa. In addition, the use of the wood of the deigo tree is one of the unique characteristics of Ryukyuan lacquerware.