Erythrina fusca

Erythrina fusca is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is commonly known as Purple Coral Tree, and also as Buccaneer Tree. The plant is native to a wide region of the world, including parts of Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

Description

Erythrina fusca is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 25 meters in height. The bark is smooth and light gray, and the leaves are trifoliate with a glossy dark green color. The flowers are hermaphrodite, arranged in racemes, and have a distinctive purplish-red color. The fruit is a pod, containing several seeds.

Distribution and Habitat

Erythrina fusca is native to a wide region of the world, including parts of Africa, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. It is typically found in coastal areas, particularly in mangrove swamps and floodplains.

Uses

The tree has a variety of uses. Its wood is used for making furniture and for construction. The seeds are used in traditional medicine for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The flowers are a source of nectar for bees and other insects, and the tree is often planted for its ornamental value.

Cultivation

Erythrina fusca is a fast-growing tree that prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, including poor soils, and is resistant to drought and salt spray. The tree can be propagated from seeds, which need to be scarified before sowing to improve germination.

Conservation Status

Erythrina fusca is not currently considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like many tropical tree species, it is threatened by habitat loss due to deforestation and land conversion for agriculture.