Seedlings of Erythrina variegata Lam. exposed to flooding for 10 d showed significant reduction in height, growth rates (leaf area in plant, leaf area index, relative growth rate, and specific leaf mass), biomass, chlorophyli (Chl) and carotenoid contents, and thylakoid membrane organization. Application of triacontanol partially compensated these effects and promoted height, biomass and Chl content. Starch and sugar contents were significantly higher in leaves of flooded seedlings.