Erythrina americana aka Naked Coral Tree

Erythrina americana is a spiny tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. It also grows as a shrub and sheds its leaves. Its common names include flame coral tree and naked coral tree. Kew lists Mexico as its native range. Useful Tropical Plants gives a wider range, including Belize and Guatemala. It grows in tropical places with a dry season. Its recorded habitat is thorn forest, perhaps on limestone.

The listed height is about 20 feet [6 metres]. A separate account gives an upper height of 30 feet [9 metres]. Flowers open as fresh leaves begin to grow. Birds and bees visit the flowers, and the plant is self-fertile. The supplied sources give no flowering months for this species. They also give no firm details about its spread or fruit. The plant has spines, which matter when choosing its garden site.

People grow this tree for more than its flowers. It gives shade to coffee and cocoa crops. Growers also use it as a living fence or support tree. It serves as an ornamental tree in gardens. Bacteria in its root nodules fix nitrogen from the air. The tree uses some of that nitrogen for growth. Nearby plants may also benefit from this root partnership. The supplied evidence gives no species-specific frost limit or pest guidance.

The flowers have a place in local food use. People fry the petals and young flower clusters for food. These may form part of tamales eaten around Easter. People also make tea from the flowers. They cook tender young leaves as greens. These food uses do not establish that raw parts are safe. The seeds contain alkaloids with effects like those of curare. The source warns that people should use them with care. It records medicinal use of flowers as a sedative. It also lists several traditional uses for the seeds. These records do not establish safe doses or proven treatments.

Seeds and cuttings offer ways to raise new plants. Stored seeds may sprout better after treatment of their hard coats. The source describes soaking them and nicking coats that remain hard. It also reports that even large branch cuttings root with ease in open ground.