Erythrina crista-galli - Cockspur Coral Tree

Erythrina crista-galli is a small deciduous tree known as the Cockspur Coral Tree. Erythrina crista-galli is called Thong laang hong kong in Thailand. Yet another common name for this tree is the Cry Baby Tree, so called because of the drops of nectar that drip off the lip like tears. Native to Brazil, the Cockspur Coral Tree is frequently planted in Thailand Parks and Gardens because of its spectacular red flowers. Argentina and Uruguay have adopted the flowers of this tree as their national flower.

The beautiful dark red, tongue shaped flowers of Erythrina crista-galli are borne in long inflorescences up to 2 feet long and a tree in full flower will stand out from the crowd even among Thailand’s amazing variety of Flora. The Cockspur Coral Tree likes full sun and flowers February-April in Thailand and intermittently during the Hot Season, and will grow to a height of 5 m.