Kagoshima is apparently the only Japanese prefecture with two official trees. It calls the coral tree its official “flowering tree.” According to Introduction to Kagoshima, “These trees feature brilliant green leaves and red flowers, and many are planted along roads used by tourists.”
This popular plant appears to be South America’s ceibo or crybaby tree (Erythrina crista-galli), which is a popular symbol on that continent.
The Shock Doctrine: The Rise of Disaster Capitalism - 
