Rose of Venezuela, Scarlet Flame bean, Rose of the mountain
Brownea coccinea subsp. capitella

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 15 m tall and the trunk is 15 cm across. The outer bark is grey-brown and the inner bark is reddish brown and has a sweet scent. The leaves have 5-7 leaflets. They are pink to brown when young. The leaflets have a long tip. The flowers are in red clumps and hang between the leaves. The fruit are dark brown pods.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in forests near river banks.

Countries/locations it is found in

Colombia, Guyana, South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The bark is boiled to make a chocolate like drink.

Edible parts

Bark - drink

How it is grown

It is slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Atarno, Bimiti-wallaban, Hichi okobia, Hotoquai aha, Hukuhuku ahobi arau, Tukusyi wokuru

Synonyms

Brownea capitella Jacq.; Brownea latifolia Jacq.; and others