Indian coral tree

Erythrina variegata, the Indian coral tree or kalyana murungai, is a thorny tree that bursts into scarlet flowers on bare branches in late winter. Birds crowd it for the nectar. In Tamil homes its young leaves are cooked into adai and soups, especially for new mothers. Its seeds are toxic.

Botanical name

Erythrina variegata L.

Family

Fabaceae

Tamil

Kalyanamurungai

Hindi

Pangara

Parts used

Flowers (sometimes cooked), Leaves (fodder)

Habit

Coral tree; murungai stays with Moringa

Last updated

2026-10-26

How to recognise Indian coral tree

It is a medium-sized tree with a short, thorny trunk and branches, and leaves of three broad, triangular leaflets.

Before the new leaves appear it carries dense clusters of bright scarlet, claw-shaped flowers.

The pods are dark, constricted between the seeds, holding red to dark brown seeds.

Murungai, Moringa oleifera, is a different tree with feathery leaves and long, ribbed drumstick pods.

A form with yellow-veined, variegated leaves is common in gardens, and it is the source of the species name.

Traditional use of Indian coral tree

Tamil kitchen

Kalyana murungai leaves are ground into adai batter, cooked in soups and given to women after childbirth.

Tamil household practice

Farming

It is planted as a living fence and as a support for black pepper and betel vines.

South Indian farm practice

Modern notes on Indian coral tree

The seeds and bark contain erythrina alkaloids, which act on the nervous system and are toxic.

The leaves are used as fodder and green manure, and the tree fixes nitrogen.

Indian coral tree safety

Do not eat the seeds or bark. Cook the leaves before eating.

Ecology and sourcing

It grows from East Africa through India to the Pacific islands, often near coasts.

Mynas, crows, sunbirds and bulbuls feed on the nectar and pollinate the flowers.

Cuttings root easily, which is why farmers use it for living fences.

It flowers in the cool, dry months, when nectar is scarce, so a flowering tree draws birds from far around.

Related plants

Also in Fabaceae

Questions about Indian coral tree

Is Indian coral tree murungai?

No. Murungai is Moringa oleifera; kalyana murungai is this coral tree.

What older names does Erythrina variegata go by?

Erythrina indica.

Are the seeds of Indian coral tree edible?

No. They are toxic.

When does Indian coral tree flower?

From late winter into spring, on bare branches.

Sources

• Erythrina variegata L. — Plants of the World Online, Kew (search) (accessed 2026)
• Wikidata item Q715744 (Erythrina variegata)

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.