Erythrina poeppigiana, commonly known as the Mountain Immortelle, is a deciduous tree native to the open woodlands and forest edges of northern and western South America and Central America. It has been introduced to various tropical regions including Central America, the Caribbean, Africa, India, and tropical Asia. The tree can reach up to 98 feet in height and is notable for its striking orange-red flowers that bloom in clusters, typically during the dry season when the tree is leafless, which adds to its ornamental appeal. The flowers are showy and can attract hummingbirds and other pollinators.

Mountain Immortelle is valued not only for its ornamental flowers but also for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, which can improve soil fertility for other plants. It is often used in reforestation projects, as a shade tree in coffee plantations, and in agroforestry systems. This species prefers full sun and well-drained soils but can tolerate a range of soil types. It is relatively drought-tolerant once established. However, it is important to be cautious with this species as it has the potential to become invasive outside its native range, outcompeting local flora and altering ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0