Plant · GBIF taxon 2958715
Caesalpinia pulcherrima
caesalpinia pulcherrimaAlso known as Pride of Barbados, Peacock Flower, Red Bird of Paradise, Dwarf Poinciana
Pride of Barbados produces brilliant clusters of fiery red, orange, and yellow blossoms equipped with extraordinarily long, protruding red stamens that draw butterflies and hummingbirds from afar. Fast-growing and heat-tolerant, this shrub features delicate, fern-like feathery foliage that folds up at night. Long flat seed pods develop after flowering, popping open when mature to scatter seeds across the tropical soil.
FloweringTropicalHeat Tolerant
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil Nutrients
Predators
- Caterpillars
- Aphids
- Spider Mites
ThreatsExtreme frost, waterlogging, and root rot in poorly drained soils
HabitatsTropical scrublands, dry forests, coastal thickets, and cultivated gardens
Life span15 to 30 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderFabales
- FamilyFabaceae
- GenusCaesalpinia
- Speciescaesalpinia pulcherrima
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Seeds and seed pods contain toxic compounds that cause severe gastrointestinal distress if ingested.
- Why it is dangerous
- Seeds and pods contain galactomannans and tannins that induce severe gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, and dehydration.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Look for feathery fern-like foliage, fiery red-orange flowers with long protruding red filaments, and flat brown pods.
- What to do
- Wear gloves when pruning, avoid touching seed pods with bare hands, and never consume any plant parts.
Responsible observation
- Pruning: Cut back heavily in winter or early spring to encourage dense new growth and maximum flowering.
- Sunlight: Plant in full sun for abundant bloom production and vibrant floral coloration.
- Pod Safety: Collect fallen seed pods promptly in landscapes where pets or small children play.
Pollinator Charles J. Sharp / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by 葉子 · cc0
Close Relative Alvesgaspar / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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