plant What are the differences between Erythrina variegata, Erythrina crista-galli (American Erythrina), and Coral Tree? We explain how to distinguish between similar species! Is it an invasive species in Okinawa? Why is it Okinawa's prefectural flower? Did the Erythrina genus evolve its pollination strategy using hummingbirds in the New World?
The three species of Erythrina variegata (Deigo), Erythrina variegata (American Erythrina), and Coral Tree (Erythrina crista-galli) are relatively common in Japan and are cultivated for ornamental purposes. They are sometimes confused with each other because they have red flowers and trifoliate compound leaves. While the leaves are very similar, careful observation of the leaflet shape, thorns, and petioles is important...
