The Caesalpinia pulcherrima, commonly known as Pride of Barbados or Peacock Flower, is a striking ornamental plant valued for its vibrant flowers and tropical appearance. Here’s an optimized version of the content, maintaining the core information while enhancing accuracy and depth:
Caesalpinia pulcherrima is a large shrub or small tree that typically reaches heights of 3-5 meters. Its branches are smooth, ranging from green to pinkish-green, and are sparsely armed with small, sharp thorns.
The leaves are bipinnately compound, measuring 20-40 centimeters in length. They consist of 4-9 pairs of pinnae, each 6-12 centimeters long, arranged oppositely along the rachis. Each pinna bears 6-12 pairs of leaflets. These leaflets are elliptical to obovate in shape, 1-2.5 centimeters long and 0.5-1 centimeter wide. They have asymmetrical bases, slightly notched or occasionally mucronate tips, and very short petiolules.
The inflorescence is a terminal or axillary raceme, often appearing almost umbel-like, and can grow up to 30 centimeters in length. Individual flower stalks (pedicels) are slender and elongated, ranging from 4-8 centimeters long. The flowers are zygomorphic and showy.
The calyx consists of 5 sepals, with the lowest one slightly longer (about 14 millimeters) than the others (about 10 millimeters). The corolla comprises 5 petals, which are typically bright orange-red or yellow, though cultivars may display other colors. These petals are orbicular to broadly obovate, 1-2.5 centimeters long, with distinctly crisped or ruffled margins. The petals are clawed, with the claw nearly equaling the blade in length.
A notable feature of the flower is its 10 long, exserted stamens. The filaments are red, 5-7 centimeters long, thickened and pubescent at the base. The style is elongated and glabrous, usually orange-yellow in color.
The fruit is a pod, technically classified as a legume. It is flat, oblong to oblanceolate in shape, measuring 6-12 centimeters long and 1.5-2.5 centimeters wide. The pod is non-dehiscent, with a long beak at the apex, and turns dark brown to almost black when mature. Each pod typically contains 6-9 seeds.
Native to the tropical Americas, particularly the Caribbean, Caesalpinia pulcherrima has been widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide for its ornamental value.
This species is adapted to tropical and warm subtropical climates. It thrives in USDA hardiness zones 9b-11, preferring full sun exposure. While it can tolerate brief periods of light frost, prolonged exposure to temperatures below 5°C can cause significant damage. In cooler climates, it’s often grown as a container plant and overwintered indoors.
Caesalpinia pulcherrima is quite adaptable to various soil types, growing well in sandy, loamy, or clay soils, provided they are well-draining. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil pH (6.0-7.5) but can tolerate mildly alkaline conditions. While drought-tolerant once established, it performs best with regular watering during dry periods.
One of the most appealing aspects of this plant is its long flowering period. In ideal conditions, it can bloom nearly year-round, with peak flowering typically occurring in the warmest months. The vibrant flowers are attractive to pollinators, particularly butterflies and hummingbirds.
Fruit development follows flowering, with pods maturing over several weeks. The plant’s ability to produce flowers and fruits simultaneously adds to its ornamental appeal.
Caesalpinia pulcherrima is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in tropical gardens, parks, and streetscapes. Its compact size makes it suitable for smaller gardens and container growing. Regular pruning can help maintain a desired shape and promote bushier growth.
In addition to its ornamental value, various parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine in its native range, though caution is advised as some parts can be toxic if ingested.
This species, with its striking flowers and elegant foliage, remains one of the most popular and valuable ornamental plants in tropical and subtropical horticulture.
The Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) reproduces through seeds. Seed maturation occurs from mid-June to mid-December, with peak maturity between September and October.
Harvest mature pods during this period and expose them to direct sunlight until they dehisce naturally, releasing the seeds. Seeds can be sown immediately after harvesting, but seedlings require frost protection to overwinter. Alternatively, store seeds in a cool, dry place for spring sowing.
The thousand seed weight is approximately 132 grams. Seeds require temperatures above 20°C (68°F) for optimal germination. The recommended sowing time is late March. To enhance germination, scarify seeds by soaking them in 60°C (140°F) water, then allow to cool and continue soaking for 12 hours. This process breaks seed dormancy and improves germination rates.
Germination is rapid, typically beginning three days after sowing and completing within a week. Expect a germination rate of about 60%. Sow seeds using the drill method, placing them 1-2 cm deep in well-draining, fertile soil.
Seedlings exhibit moderate growth rates. Apply nitrogen-rich fertilizer 2-3 times during the early growth stage to promote healthy development. After October, switch to a potassium-rich fertilizer to encourage lignification and cold hardiness. Protect young plants from frost during winter by using row covers or other insulating materials.
Transplant one-year-old seedlings to the nursery for further growth. Two-year-old plants are typically mature enough to produce flowers for ornamental purposes. Monitor plants for leaf spot disease, which can be treated with a fungicide such as carbendazim (use a 500:1 dilution of 50% wettable powder) if necessary.
The Pride of Barbados, scientifically known as Caesalpinia pulcherrima, is a member of the Fabaceae (legume) family. This erect, evergreen shrub or small tree can reach heights of up to 3 meters (10 feet).
Its most striking feature is its vibrant inflorescences, which comprise a fiery mix of orange-red flowers with golden yellow margins. These showy blooms, which resemble flames or butterflies, appear on terminal racemes throughout the year in tropical climates, making it a highly valued ornamental plant in warm regions.
The Pride of Barbados stands out not for its fragrance but for its exceptional visual appeal. The unique morphology of its flowers evokes the image of a phoenix in flight, with distinct features resembling a head, tail, wings, and feet. This vivid, lifelike appearance creates a stunning display that captivates observers and showcases nature’s artistic prowess.
In traditional Chinese medicine, the Pride of Barbados has been utilized for its therapeutic properties. The seeds are particularly valued for their blood-activating and menstruation-regulating effects. Additionally, a tincture made from the stem juice mixed with rice wine is used as a medicinal remedy. However, it’s important to note that any medicinal use should be under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
The association between the Pride of Barbados and Saint Clair, a Frankish prince, dates back to the 16th century. This connection is part of a long-standing Christian tradition of linking saints with specific flowers, a practice rooted in the church’s custom of adorning altars with blooms during saint commemorations.
Medieval monasteries, which often served as centers of horticultural knowledge and practice, cultivated a wide variety of flowers. Over time, the church developed a floral calendar, pairing each day’s saint with a different flower. The Mediterranean climate of southern Europe, where many monasteries were located, provided ideal growing conditions for a diverse range of flora.
The Pride of Barbados, although not a member of the Asteraceae family as previously stated (it belongs to Fabaceae), was chosen to honor Saint Clair. According to tradition, Saint Clair renounced his claim to the throne, preferring a monastic life dedicated to aiding the weak, caring for the suffering, and performing acts of kindness and miracles.
The Pride of Barbados, as the floral emblem associated with Saint Clair, carries the symbolic meaning of “exile.” This symbolism stems from the legend of Saint Clair, who, after his father’s death, was pursued by an uncle seeking to usurp the throne. To preserve his life, Saint Clair relinquished his royal claim and entered the clergy.
People associated with this floral emblem are often characterized as introspective and reserved, potentially preferring to observe from the periphery in social situations. However, this demeanor may transform dramatically in the presence of a loved one, revealing a passionate adherence to their convictions about love and relationships.
Peggie was once a high school mathematics teacher, but she set aside her chalkboard and textbooks to follow her lifelong passion for flowers. After years of dedication and learning, she not only established a thriving flower shop but also founded this blog, “Flowers Library”. If you have any questions or wish to learn more about flowers, feel free to contact Peggie.
English 
العربية 
Bahasa Indonesia 
Deutsch 
Français 
Italiano 
Nederlands 
Português 
Русский 
日本語