What does erythrina mean?
Erythrina is a noun used in botany for any member of a genus of flowering shrubs and trees in the pea family, Fabaceae. The genus includes many plants commonly called coral trees because of their vivid red, coral-like flowers, although flower color can vary among species. These plants are native to tropical and subtropical regions and are grown in warm gardens for their dramatic blossoms. Some also have distinctive pods and seeds. The name Erythrina comes through New Latin from the Ancient Greek erythros, meaning “red,” reflecting the striking color associated with the flowers. In written use, the genus name is normally capitalized and italicized, and a complete species designation adds a second word, as in Erythrina fusca. Although the word is uncommon outside botanical, horticultural, and taxonomic contexts, it is useful for identifying a distinctive and cosmopolitan group of plants.
nounAny of a genus, Erythrina, of flowering shrubs and trees in the pea family (Fabaceae), many with conspicuous red flowers and commonly known as coral trees.
- Any flowering plant belonging to the genus Erythrina, a group of tropical and subtropical shrubs and trees in the pea family.
"The scarlet blossoms of Erythrina drew hummingbirds to the garden throughout the summer."
"Several Erythrina species are cultivated for their brilliant red flowers."
"The naturalist described the Erythrina as a small tree with vivid, nectar-rich blossoms."
Used when referring to multiple individual plants of the genus; the scientific genus name itself remains Erythrina.
"The botanist collected seeds from several erythrinas growing along the riverbank."
Its name points straight to its most famous feature: a genus named from the Greek for “red.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does erythrina come from?
Erythrina is a New Latin botanical name based on the Ancient Greek erythros, “red.” The name refers to the conspicuous red flowers characteristic of many members of the genus. It shares this Greek color root with words including erythema, erythrocyte, and erythroderma.
How erythrina is actually used
This is primarily botanical terminology rather than everyday English. As a genus name, Erythrina is conventionally capitalized and italicized; the name of an individual species also includes a lowercase specific epithet, such as Erythrina fusca.
Easily confused with erythrina
Erythrina names a genus of flowering plants, whereas erythema is redness of the skin, especially when caused by inflammation.