Erythrina crista-galli L.

Cockspur coral tree (Erythrina crista-galli) is a tree 6-8 meters tall of the Fabaceae family, native to the tropical region from India to Malaysia. Its strikingly colored flowers make it a popular ornamental, while in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine, this plant is used to relieve joint pain and parasitic infections. For generations, cockspur coral tree has also been believed to reduce postpartum fever and promote breast milk production.

Grows well in lowland mountain areas up to 1,500 m above sea level, in loose, moist soil rich in organic matter. Annual rainfall ranges from 800-1,500 mm/year, temperature 20-32 °C. Ideal in well-drained soil, but tolerates various soil conditions, from sandy to clay, with a pH of 4.5-8.0.

• Roots taproot, dirty white.
• Stem smooth, greenish-gray with pale longitudinal streaks, small thorns.
• Leaves compound, three leaflets, ovate, blunt base, smooth margins, petiole 10-15 cm long, green.
• Flowers compound, raceme, bracts at the stem tip fall quickly, short stalk. Calyx funnel-shaped, long corolla, butterfly-shaped, yellow stamens, single pistil, red.
• Fruit a pod, long-haired, containing ± 8 seeds, green when young turning brown when mature.
• Seeds ovate, flat, brown.

• Propagated generatively (by seed) and vegetatively (by cuttings).
• Generally flowers during the dry season. 

Erysodine, erysotrine, erythraline, erysopine, alkaloids, mellein, nectriapyrone, scytalone, tyrosol, clavatol, mevinic acid, mevalonolactone.

Reduces fever in women (postpartum fever); promotes breast milk; treats internal bleeding, stomach ache; helps prevent miscarriage; acts as an expectorant, antibacterial, antioxidant; relieves joint pain.

Information not yet available.

Dadap minyak (Malay), Dadap cangkring (Sunda), Dhadhak cangkring (Madura).