Mother tree (erythrina berteroana)
Catalog #67 - A small compact deciduous tree that bursts into pointed scarlet blossoms growing from the large spike-like ends of the branches. A member of the legume family of about 30 erythrinia trees.
(e poeppigiana, fusca, lysistemon among those) Erythros, is latin for red, the color of the seed and flower. The natives of the Rainforests at one time derived a concoction with the seed to stupify fish. The flowers
however, are actually edible and used as a vegetable in soups and salads and as a seasoning in Columbia called "barabatusco". Mostly used to shade young coffee
plants from the harsh tropical sun, and as an ornamental, it does well indoors near sunlight.
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