Schizolobium parahyba aka Brazilian Firetree

Schizolobium parahyba is a deciduous tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. Its common names include Brazilian fern tree and Brazilian fire tree. Its native range runs from southern Mexico into tropical South America. It grows in wet tropical regions, including the Atlantic rainforest. There, it favours open sites where forest is growing back. It also grows near rivers, on floodplains, and in valley bottoms.

The tree has a broad crown with a flat top. Reported heights range from 66–115 feet [20–35 metres]. A separate reference entry gives 82 feet [25 metres]. The straight trunk has buttresses at its base. It can measure 2–2.6 feet [0.6–0.8 metres] across. Young trees often lack branches and resemble palms or ferns. Their leaves can exceed 6.6 feet [2 metres] in length. Growth is fast, with reports of 33 feet [10 metres] in two years.

The tree draws attention when it flowers, and bees pollinate it. It bears seedpods with hard, flat, brown seeds. The seeds have an oval shape. People use them to make beads and buttons. The supplied sources give no flowering season or flower colour. They also give no known food uses. Useful Tropical Plants lists no known hazards. This does not establish that every plant part is safe to eat.

Choose a sunny site with moist soil that drains well. The tree prefers loam or clay and grows best in fertile ground. It can also grow in soil with low fertility. Its preferred soil pH is 5.5–6.5, though it tolerates a wider range. Established trees can withstand drought. It favours warm tropical conditions, with daytime temperatures around 20–26°C. The evidence gives no frost limit or hardiness zone. Hard seed coats may need treatment to help seeds sprout.

People harvest this tree for wood and local medicinal use. Reported uses include fuel, boxes, toys, and parts of doors. Its rapid growth also helps restore woodland as a pioneer tree. Yet its brittle branches limit its value in landscape planting. Useful Tropical Plants flags weed potential without giving a local risk level. The supplied evidence names no specific pests or diseases. It reports an IUCN assessment of Least Concern from 2019.