Andean tree bean
Erythrina edulis

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A leafy tree. It grows 14 m tall. The crown can be 7 m across. The trunk can be 37 cm across. The stem and branches have stout prickles. The leaves are alternate and have 3 leaflets. They have long leaf stalks and 2 nectar producing glands at the base of each leaflet. The flowers are in large clusters on a stout stalk. The flowers are red. The fruit hang in bunches of 9-18. They are cylinder shaped pods. The pods can be 32 cm long by 3 cm wide. They have 6 seeds. The seeds are large and succulent.

There are 108 Erythrina species. They are rich in protein.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. In the Andes it grows between 2,000-2,800 m altitude. It can be down to 500 m above sea level. It grows in dry and moist tropics. It can be in areas with a temperature range between 5-25°C and a rainfall of 450-1,800 mm. It is best in a sunny position in a loose textured soil. It cannot tolerate soils with a pH below 4.5.

Countries/locations it is found in

Amazon, Andes, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Central America, Colombia, Ecuador (country/location of origin), Panama, Peru, South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The beans are boiled (for 45 minutes or more) and eaten with corn, cassava, bread or potatoes. They are also mashed with cheese, and fried. Caution: The uncooked seeds can be poisonous if eaten often.

A productive high protein crop. It is a cultivated food plant. It is an important food crop.

Edible parts

Seeds, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. Seeds grow rapidly. They are also grown from cuttings. It can be used as a hedge.

Seedlings grow rapidly and can fruit after 2 years. Trees last for 30-40 years. Seeds mature about 3 months after flowering.

Its other names

Local names

Amasisa, Antipurutu, A'tolon, Balu, Basul, Canaro, Canrabo, Chachafruto, Frejol de monte, Guato, Pajuro, Pashul, Poroto, Porotillo, Sachaporoto

Synonyms

Erythrina edulis Pos.-Arang.; Erythrina esculenta Sprague; Erythrina lorenoi Macbr.; Erythrina megistophylla Diels;