Erythrina poeppigiana (Poro)

Botanical name: Erythrina poeppigiana

Common name: Poro

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Faboideae

Origin: Central America

Erythrina poeppigiana is a fast-growing tree, reaching 30 to 35 m in height and more than 1 m d.b.h. The gray bark has conical thorns, primarily on the branches and young twigs.

Erythrina poeppigiana is not demanding of soils, growing very well in heavy soils poor in nutrients and adapting to acid soils.

The bark, seeds, and roots have medicinal properties because they contain some alkaloids. They are also used in insecticides. The roots and parts of the tree are macerated and used to stun fish so they can be caught easily. The trees are planted as ornamentals and the seeds are used in necklaces and ornaments.

Similar plants: Erythrina poeppigiana (Poro)

• Butea monosperma (Flame of the Forest)
• Erythrina abyssinica (Coral Tree)
• Erythrina amazonica (Amazon Coral Tree)
• Erythrina bidwillii (Indian Coral Tree)
• Erythrina caffra (South African Coral tree)
• Erythrina coralloides (Naked Coral Tree)
• Erythrina crista-galli (Cry Baby Tree)
• Erythrina decora (Namib Coral Tree)
• Erythrina edulis (Chachafruto)
• Erythrina fusca (Cape Kaffirboom)