COCKSPUR CORAL
(Erythrina Crista-Galli L.)
COCKSPUR CORAL
(Erythrina Crista-Galli L.)
This plant originates from the tropical regions, especially from India to Malaysia. It is typically used in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine to treat joint pain and parasitic infections. Generally, it is often planted as an ornamental plant due to its beautiful and striking flowers
It grows well in mountainous lowlands up to 1,500 m above sea level (m.a.s.l.). It prefers loose, moist soil rich in organic matter. Annual rainfall ranges from 800–1,500 mm/year, with temperatures of 20–32
∘
C. It is ideal in well-drained soil, but tolerates a variety of soil conditions, ranging from sand to clay with a pH of 4.5–8.0.
Root (Akar) Taproot, dirty white color.
Stem (Batang) Smooth, grayish-green with pale longitudinal stripes, and small thorns.
Leaves (Daun) Compound, with three leaflets (anak daun), ovate shape, blunt base, entire margin (tepi rata). The petiole (stalk) is 10–15 cm long, green color.
Flower (Bunga) Compound inflorescence, arranged in a raceme (tandan) at the stem tip. The bracts quickly fall off. The stalk is short. The calyx is funnel-shaped. The corolla is long, butterfly-shaped (papilionaceous). Stamens are yellow, and there is one pistil, red in color.
Fruit (Buah) Pod (polong), long-haired (pubescent), containing ±8 seeds. It is green when young, turning brown when mature.
Seed (Biji) Ovate, flat, brown color.
Propagation is done generatively (seeds) and vegetatively (cuttings).
It generally flowers during the dry season.
Reduces fever in women (postpartum fever), acts as a galactagogue (promotes breast milk production), treats internal bleeding, stomach ache, prevents miscarriage, acts as an expectorant (thins phlegm), and has antibacterial, antioxidant, and joint pain relief properties.
Erysodine, erysotrine, erythraline, erysopine, alkaloids, mellein, nectriapyrone, scyoalone, tyrosol, clavatol, mevinic acid, mevalonolactone.
Socfindo Conservation. 2023. Dadap Serep. https://www.socfindoconservation.co.id/plant/233 (29-04-2023)