Additional notes (click to expand)
Commemorative
Named for Andrea Caesalpini (1542/25- 1603) Italian botanist, philosopher and physican to Pope Clement VIII, auther of De Plantis (1583) and other works
Stearn, W.T.. (1996). Dictionary of Plant Names for Gardeners. Cassell.
Horticulture
Shrub or small tree to 3m. Can be grown against a warm, south facing wall in temperate regions. Sometimes grown as hedging.
RHS. (1999). Dictionary of Gardening, RHS. Huxley, T Vol 1 (p.450)
Toxicity
Toxicity Class II -III (moderately to slightly hazardous)Cell toxin and gastrointestinal disturbance. Mainly the seeds are hazardous; the active principles are tannins and NPAAs (non protein amino acids). Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains, diarrhoea. Therapy= Flavonoids.
Wink, Michael & Ben-Erik van Wyk (2008). Mind-Altering and Poisonous Plants of the World. Timber Press p.350
Geographical distribution
- Northern America
- Southern America
Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw.
Family: CAESALPINIACEAEGenus: Caesalpinia
Species: pulcherrima (L.) Sw.
Common names: Barbados Pride; Barbados Flower Fence; Dwarf Poinciana; Paradise Flower; Pride of Barbados; Gulatura
Distribution summary: Tropical America
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: H3 - Half hardy; unheated greenhouse/mild winter
Garden status: Not currently grown
Reason for growing: Medicinal, toxic