How to Grow and Care for Caesalpinia

The peacock flower, Barbados' national flower, is a striking ornamental plant commonly grown in public and private gardens. Although the seeds of this flower are toxic if consumed, the fruits are edible. Some parts of this plant are used as medicine by Indonesians and West Indians. This plant is toxic to dogs and cats but provides food for butterflies and bees.

Bird of paradise (Caesalpinia gilliesii) is a perennial evergreen shrub that will grow from 2 to 3 m tall. It has attractive lacy foliage and showy clusters of yellow flowers that bloom in summer. Bird of paradise attracts bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil.

Mexican holdback (Caesalpinia mexicana) is a flowering plant related to the pea that grows in tropical regions of North and South America. Mexican holdback is also commonly known as the Mexican bird of paradise and the pride of Barbados.

Native to South and East Asia, mysore thorn, is considered an invasive species and noxious weed in many countries where it has been introduced. Mysore thorn has been utilized as a live fence, due to its hard, sharp thorns. Components of this clambering shrub are used in the chemical industry, whilst the seeds have been reportedly used as soap and lubricant.

The brazilian ironwood has fascinating bark that peels in patches of light and dark brown, making it look like a leopard’s skin and giving this tree its common name. The wood is so dense that, when seasoned, it sinks in water.