Erythrina flabelliformis, chilicote, coral bean

                                         

Erythrina flabelliformis, chilicote, coral bean. An elegant plant ally of protection from mal de ojo and witchcraft carried on ones person.
                                4200ft Rincon, perennial, shrubby tree, frost determinate,             

light brown bark has longitudinal white lines, like warm south facing slopes w granite outcrops, beautiful brilliant shiny blood red seeds in 5 inch pod. Hummingbirds pollinate the pointed similarly red tubular spiky pointed rosette. The plant has long tradition of encouraging strong protective qualities that enables one to bend without breaking. 
                                  

The blood red Scarlet seeds, and blood red Scarlet flowers together with the leafless nature of the plant has the nature of mystery, specifically of the martyrs who while dying were also preserved.               
                              

The idea of the blood and wounds of Christ and the blood of martyrs lends itself through the special quality of the wood, who's grains when looked at with a loupe appear to be filled with light as are the saints who protect us who believe in them through the Holy Ghost.