Erythrina berteroana aka Patsua

Erythrina berteroana is a deciduous tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. Its native range includes the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. It extends south to northwestern Venezuela and Peru. People grow it for food, decoration, and other uses. They also gather useful parts from wild trees. It grows in both wet and dry thickets and open forest. It also occurs along hedges and fence lines.

The tree reaches about 33 feet [10 metres] tall. Its broad crown spreads out but has sparse growth. Strong spines cover much of the tree. The trunk often divides into branches near the ground. It can reach about 1 foot [0.3 metres] across. The tree sheds its leaves rather than keeping them year-round. Its pods split open to expose red or orange-red seeds. Hummingbirds visit its flowers and serve as pollinators.

This tropical tree grows from lowlands into upland sites. Records place it as high as 6,560 feet [2,000 metres]. Most habitat records come from below 3,280 feet [1,000 metres]. Reported annual rainfall ranges from 59 to 157 inches. It grows across a wide range of temperatures. Reports suggest upland trees may resist frost, but this remains uncertain. It tolerates soil pH from about 4 to 8. It also grows in soils with high aluminium levels.

People cook the young leaves, small shoots, and unopened flowers as vegetables. Cooks often boil them in two changes of water. This practice does not establish that all preparations are safe. Markets sell the flower buds, including beyond the tree's growing range. Some traders export them for Latin American communities abroad. The seeds are poisonous and contain alkaloids with curare-like effects. Reports also describe crushed branches used to poison fish. Traditional uses include a shoot decoction taken as a narcotic. Such use is not evidence of safety or proven benefit.

The tree also has value beyond food and garden display. Its bark supplies a yellow dye for cloth. People use the seeds for beads and other ornaments. The pale wood becomes light, soft, and weak when dry. Local uses include cork substitutes, carved figures, and small toys. People also burn the wood as fuel. Seeds need pretreatment for propagation. Scarification or a warm-water soak helps water enter the seed.