Indian coral tree Erythrina variegata
Indian coral tree (Erythrina variegata) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Fabaceae family, native to Tropical Asia, from India to the Pacific. It grows 8–20 m (26–66 ft) tall and 6–12 m (20–39 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about 2 °C (36 °F). Space plants about 9 m (30 ft) apart.
Plan Indian coral tree in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Indian coral tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Mature height | 8–20 m (26–66 ft) |
| Mature spread | 6–12 m (20–39 ft) |
| Spacing | 9 m (30 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5.5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 2 °C (36 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about February for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Not grown as food |
| Native to | Tropical Asia, from India to the Pacific |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
Is Indian coral tree toxic?
- People: moderately toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: moderately toxic
- Parts: seeds, bark
Seeds contain toxic alkaloids (erythrina alkaloids).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Indian coral tree
Good neighbours
- good With Sweet corn: "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils. Evidence C
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Onions, garlic and leeks are said to stunt beans and peas (allium root exudates may reduce nodulation). Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Alliums (onion family): Beans and peas are traditionally kept away from onions, garlic and leeks. Traditional companion-planting advice; controlled trials are few, so treat it as a soft preference. Evidence D
- caution With Fennel: Fennel is reported to suppress beans and peas growing next to it. Evidence C
Questions about Indian coral tree
- How far apart should I plant Indian coral tree?
- About 9 m (30 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 6–12 m (20–39 ft).
- Does Indian coral tree need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Indian coral tree need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Indian coral tree?
- It tolerates about 2 °C (36 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Indian coral tree flower?
- From about February for 4–7 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Indian coral tree poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs moderately toxic; for people moderately toxic. Seeds contain toxic alkaloids (erythrina alkaloids).
- What grows well with Indian coral tree?
- "Three sisters": climbing beans use corn as a support and fix nitrogen; the benefit to the corn is modest but real in low-input soils.
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- India Biodiversity Portal (species pages), India Biodiversity Portal
- Flora & Fauna Web, National Parks Board, Singapore
Notes and assumptions
- Flowers on bare branches in the dry season; visited by sunbirds and mynas.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Bush bean Phaseolus vulgaris
- Garden pea Pisum sativum
- Sweet pea Lathyrus odoratus
- Runner bean Phaseolus coccineus
- Broad bean (fava) Vicia faba
- Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus
- Cowpea (black-eyed pea) Vigna unguiculata
- Yardlong bean Vigna unguiculata subsp. sesquipedalis