Caesalpinia pulcherrima aka Pride Of Barbados

Caesalpinia pulcherrima is a shrub or small tree in the pea family. Gardeners call it peacock flower or pride of Barbados. Kew places its native range from southeastern Mexico through Central America. Other sources include the Caribbean within its home range. People now grow it across the tropics. It grows in both dry and moist tropical forests.

This fast-growing plant forms a broad crown, often with several stems. Garden shrubs reach about 10–13 feet [3–4 metres] tall. Tree forms can reach 20 feet [6.1 metres]. Garden spread is about 6–13 feet [1.8–4 metres]. Tropical plants may spread to 20 feet [6.1 metres]. Its green, bipinnate leaves have many small, oval leaflets. Leaves stay on in warm climates but may drop in cooler ones. Young stems have purple-red bark, a pale coating, and sharp prickles. Older bark turns gray-brown and may keep some prickles.

Flower clusters stand upright at the ends of branches. Each flower has five petals and long red stamens. Petal colors mix orange, red, and yellow. Bloom can last all year in tropical warmth. Elsewhere, flowers appear from spring through fall, depending on climate. In frosty areas, bloom comes in late summer and fall. Butterflies and hummingbirds visit the flowers. Flat pods follow bloom and turn brown as they dry. Ripe pods burst apart and scatter their seeds.

Full sun gives the best bloom, though light shade is tolerated. The plant needs fertile soil that drains well. It accepts clay, loam, or sand across a broad pH range. Give it moderate water; established plants tolerate drought. USDA zones 9–11 and UK rating H3 describe its hardiness. Cold may kill top growth, followed by new shoots in warmth. Gardeners use it for hedges, screens, borders, and containers. Its prickles make paths and patios poor planting sites. Flowers also serve in leis; other uses include dyes and ink. It has escaped gardens in some regions.

Serious pest problems are uncommon, but scale can occur. Under glass, watch for mites, whitefly, and mealybugs. Wet soil raises the risk of root rot. Honey fungus is another possible disease. Sources record cooked flowers, shelled young seeds, and cooked green pods as foods. These reports do not establish that all parts are safe. Seeds and leaves carry poison warnings, including stomach upset. Dogs, cats, and horses can suffer vomiting and diarrhea. Traditional remedies also use the plant; some preparations may cause abortion.