Naked coral tree facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Naked coral tree
Scientific classification

Erythrina coralloides with a hummingbird

The Naked Coral Tree (also known as the Flame Coral Tree) is a beautiful flowering tree. Its scientific name is Erythrina coralloides. It belongs to the pea family, called Fabaceae.

This tree originally comes from eastern Mexico. You can find it growing from Tamaulipas in the north down to Oaxaca in the south. Some experts also think it might grow naturally in southern Arizona in the United States.

What Does the Naked Coral Tree Look Like?

The Naked Coral Tree can grow quite tall. It can reach a height of up to 12 meters (about 39 feet).

Its seeds are special. They are shaped like an oval and are very smooth and shiny. They have a bright coral-red color. Each seed has a raised line on its back. There's also a white spot called a hilum, which is surrounded by a black border.

How People Use This Tree

The wood of the Naked Coral Tree is white. People use it to make bungs, which are stoppers for barrels. In a place called San Luis Potosí in Mexico, artists often use this wood to carve small statues or figurines.

This tree is also very pretty. It has bright red and white flowers that grow in bunches. Because of its attractive flowers, it is often planted as an ornamental tree in gardens. The flowers can even be used as a food source!

Important Facts About the Seeds

It's very important to know that the seeds of the Naked Coral Tree are poisonous. This means they are not safe to eat. They contain substances that can be harmful.

One of these substances is called erythroidine. It can act as a strong muscle relaxant. The seeds also contain other compounds like erythroresin and coralin. Because of these substances, extracts from the seeds have been studied for their effects. Always remember, never eat parts of plants unless you are sure they are safe.

See also

In Spanish: Erythrina coralloides para niños