December tree
Erythrina subumbrans

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A tall tree. It grows to 15-23 m high. Some kinds have prickles and some do not. The leaves are alternate and have 3 leaflets. The leaflets are smooth. The side 2 leaflets are round and 10-20 cm long. The end leaflet is larger. The flowering groups are 22 cm long. The flowers are red. The fruit are pods 10-14 cm long and 2-2.5 cm wide. They contain 1-5 seeds.

2n = 42 There are 108 Erythrina species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It needs light. It grows in dry open forest. It is used as shade for cacao and coffee. In Samoa it grows from sea level to 700 m altitude. In Indonesia it grows between 300-1,500 m above sea level. In southern China it grows between 300-600 m above sea level. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

American Samoa, Asia, China, Cook Islands, East Timor, Fiji, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Niue, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, SE Asia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The very young leaves are steamed and then eaten in salads. The flowers are used as a potherb.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds.

Its other names

Local names

Chengkering, Choe tee, Coral tree, Dadap duri, Dadap lenga, Dadap lesang, Dadap limit, Dadap lisa, Dadap minyak, Dadap rangrang, Dadap ri, Dadap srep, Dedap batik, Dedap, Dhadhak, Gatae palagi, Pohon dadap rangrang, Tawng lang, Tawng pa, Vong hot-da, Ye-kathit

Synonyms

Hypaphorus subumbrans Hassk.; Erythrina lithosperma Miq.non Blume; Erythrina hypaphorus Boerl.;