Chirocalyx candolleanus, Chirocalyx divaricatus, Chirocalyx indicus, Chirocalyx pictus, Corallodendron divaricatum, Corallodendron orientale, Corallodendron spathaceum, Erythrina alba, Erythrina boninensis, Erythrina carnea, Erythrina corallodendron, Erythrina divaricata, Erythrina indica, Erythrina lithosperma, Erythrina lobulata, Erythrina loueiri, Erythrina loureiri, Erythrina loureirii, Erythrina marmorata, Erythrina mysorensis, Erythrina orientalis, Erythrina parcelli, Erythrina parcellii, Erythrina phlebocarpa, Erythrina picta, Erythrina rostrata, Erythrina spathacea, Gelala alba, Gelala litorea, Tetradapa javanorum
Indian coral tree, sunshine tree, tiger's claw
Erythrina variegata (syn. E. indica Lam., E. variegata var. orientalis (L.) Merr.; tiger's claw, Indian coral tree and sunshine tree; Pāli: pāricchattaka; Sanskrit: pārijāta, पारिजात) is a species of Erythrina native to the tropical and subtropical regions of eastern Africa, the Indian Subcontinent, northern Australia, and the islands of the Indian Ocean and the western Pacific Ocean east to Fiji.
Erythrina variegata, also known as the Indian coral tree or tiger's claw, is an ornamental plant species native to tropical Asia and Africa. In Qatar, it is commonly cultivated for its showy, bright red flowers and distinctive leaves with variable colors, hence its name "variegata". As an exotic species in Qatar's arid environment, Erythrina variegata typically thrives in well-irrigated gardens, parks, and along roadsides, where it can grow into a medium-sized tree or shrub. Its adaptability to warm climates makes it a popular choice for landscaping in the region.
Observations of Erythrina variegata in Qatar revealed that the plant was able to thrive in the local climate. On April 12, 2016, an Indian coral tree was planted in Dahl Al Hamam Park at Al Markhiya Street, Doha, indicating an attempt to introduce the species to the region. By April 26, 2016, the same tree was observed again, suggesting that it had survived and potentially begun to adapt to its new environment. The fact that the tree was still present in the park just over two weeks after planting suggests a degree of hardiness and resilience. Further observations would be necessary to determine the long-term viability of Erythrina variegata in Qatar's climate. The plant's ability to grow and thrive could have implications for its potential use as an ornamental or landscaping species in the region.
www.theplantlist.org
QNHG (Qatar Natural History Group) and associated people, for a possibility to participate in their field excursions and to learn about local nature.