Erythrina edulis

Erythrina edulis (Basul) is a nitrogen fixing tree that is native to the Andean region from western Venezuela to southern Bolivia. Nowadays it is known in Venezuela as “Frijol mompás”, in Bolivia, Peru and Argentina as “Pajuro”, “Sachaporoto del basul” or “Poroto del sacha”, in Colombia as “Chachafruto”, “Balú”, “Baluy” or “Sachaporoto” and in Ecuador as “Guato”. Although it is widely known, it is not commonly cultivated. Future research is needed, especially in agroforestry. Basul is a legume and so it produces protein-rich beans covered in pods which can be used for human or animal nutrition. The leaves and branches can be used as fodder. Besides the agricultural aspects, Erythrina edulis can also be used as a fence plant.