Tiger's Claw

Erythrina variegata

Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Fabaceae
Genus:
Erythrina
Species:
Erythrina variegata

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:
Perennial
Growth Habit:
Tree
Height:
20-40 ft
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
jan, feb, mar, apr, may, dec
Bloom Colors:
orange, red

Host Plant for Caterpillars

banana moth (Opogona sacchari)

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
5.5 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
prefers coastal and tropical regions

Germination Information

Pre-treatment: For seeds, scarification is required either mechanically or by soaking in hot water (80 degrees C) for 10 minutes, then overnight in cool water. For cuttings, they should be stood upright in the shade in dry conditions for a minimum of 24 hours, and a maximum of 2 weeks.

Establishment: Seeds are mature when the pod turns brown and the seeds become hard with a shiny seed coat. Mature pods can be collected from the tree or from the ground. For cuttings, it is best to retain the terminal bud of branch cuttings to ensure the trees will have straight, columnar form.

Source: npn.rngr.net