Himalayan Coral Tree

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Himalayan Coral Tree

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Corallodendron arborescens
• Duchassaingia arborescens
• Erythrina moori

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it falls under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Erythrina and the specific species Erythrina arborescens.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical range across several key regions in Asia. Within China, its distribution extends through the South-Central provinces and the tropical island of Hainan. It can also be found growing in the high-altitude regions of Tibet. Moving toward the Indian Subcontinent, the species is documented in the state of Assam. Finally, its presence is also noted within the borders of Bangladesh.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Erythrina arborescens is characterized by its specific adaptation to montane environments, where it thrives within a defined altitudinal belt. This species is typically found inhabiting mid-to-high altitude zones, occupying an ecological niche that spans an elevational range from a minimum of 1400 m AMSL to a maximum of 2600 m AMSL. Within this vertical distribution, the plant is integrated into specific mountain forest ecosystems, where the varying atmospheric pressures and temperature gradients associated with these elevations influence its growth patterns and seasonal phenology.

Elevational range max:

2600 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1400 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Erythrina arborescens is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to maintain a long-term presence within its natural ecosystem. As a perennial, the plant undergoes multiple growth cycles over many years, establishing a robust woody structure that supports its developmental stages. Its lifecycle involves a continuous process of vegetative growth and seasonal reproductive phases, where it transitions through various stages of maturity to ensure its survival and propagation. This enduring lifecycle enables the plant to adapt to environmental fluctuations over time, contributing to its stability and persistence in its habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Erythrina arborescens is characterized by a robust growth form, primarily existing as a tree. As a woody species, it develops a substantial structural framework that is entirely self-supporting rather than acting as a climber or requiring external support. It functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic or epiphytic tendencies, and is strictly terrestrial in its habitat, distinguishing it from aquatic or semiaquatic species.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Erythrina arborescens is characterized by a metabolic framework primarily driven by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, wherein carbon fixation occurs via the Calvin cycle through the direct carboxylation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate by the enzyme RuBisCO. This C3 mechanism dictates the plant's gas exchange patterns and water-use efficiency, as it relies on the diffusion of CO2 through stomata, making its metabolic rate sensitive to light intensity and moisture availability. Beyond its carbon assimilation processes, the plant exhibits complex physiological adaptations related to nutrient uptake and secondary metabolite synthesis, which are essential for its survival in specific ecological niches. The coordination of these biochemical pathways ensures the efficient conversion of solar energy into chemical energy, supporting the structural growth and the production of bioactive compounds characteristic of the species.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Erythrina arborescens has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Alpinumisoflavone, STIGMASTEROL, Wighteone, daidzein, genistein.

Alpinumisoflavone

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

STIGMASTEROL

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

Wighteone

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

daidzein

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica

genistein

1. Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica