Tigers claw

Appearance

''E. variegata'' is a thorny deciduous tree growing to 27 m tall. The leaves are pinnate with a 20 cm petiole and three leaflets, each leaflet up to 20 cm long and broad. It has dense clusters of scarlet or crimson flowers and black seeds.

Uses

''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 .

''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 .

''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.

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.

The Formosan aboriginal tribe, the Puyuma carve a mortar called a ta?ur from the trunk of the tree. It is used for pounding sticky rice that is later to be steamed.

Cultural

''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.

In Sri Lanka, the blossoming flowers of the tree are associated with the advent of the Sri Lankan New Year. The plant is known as ''Erabadu'' in Sinhalese and “ Mulmurukai” in Tamil.