Erythrina vespertilio

(Bat’s wing coral tree)

Description

This monsoon deciduous tree is often found growing in vine thickets. The common name comes from the shape of the leaflet. Each leaf has 3 leaflets that thought to resemble a bat with outstretched wings. There are conical spines on the trunk and the bark is corky. The large, pea-shaped flowers are red and are followed by brown woody pods, the seeds are toxic. Flowers are bird-pollinated.

There are several trees along the Wadda Mooli Creek towards Nursing Sciences. Flowering occurs during the late dry season.