Erythrina berteroana is a species of small deciduous tree in the family Fabaceae. A small deciduous tree growing to a height of 12 to 15 m (40 to 50 ft), E. berteroana has a maximum diameter of 20 cm (8 in) at chest height. The branches are smooth and thorny. The leaves are alternate, borne on petioles up to 15 cm (6 in) long, are trifoliate, each leaflet being ovate or rhomboidal, up to 20 cm (8 in) wide and 17 cm (7 in) long, with acuminate apexes and cuneate bases.