Abstract
Erythrina variegata, commonly known as the coral tree, is a native species of the family Fabaceae in Taiwan. This study explored relationships between indigenous peoples and the coral tree, and its ethnobotanical utilization in Taiwan. Our review shows that there are 21 terms by 7 ethnic groups for naming E. variegata. At least 30 places and 23 places of worship are named after or related to E. variegata throughout Taiwan. Coral trees in Taiwan have been severely threatened by the gall-inducing wasp Quadrastichus erythrinae (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) since 2003. There are 56 precious old trees of E. variegata distributed in 16 counties. We recorded 20 ways of using 6 tree parts in Taiwan, which is more than the 14 usages recorded from other Austronesian groups. The main usages are in annual rituals, as boundary markers, and as cooking utensils. Of all indigenous people in Taiwan, the Paiwan, Amis, Puyuma, and Hoklo had higher utilization of E. variegata as revealed by this survey.