Caesalpinia pulcherrima

Peacock tree ( Caesalpinia pulcherrima )

The peacock tree ( Caesalpinia pulcherrima ), which is called in German also Pride of Barbados, a term introduced in almost all tropical countries ornamental shrub of the legume family is ( Fabaceae ).

Description

The shrub reaches heights of growth 5-6 meters. He has a loose, translucent crown and is deciduous. Its bark is gray and smooth. The alternate, pinnate leaves in pairs reach a length of 30 centimeters. The individual leaflets of the leaflets are one to three inches long. The flowers are orange or red, often with yellow edges. They sit in 30 to 40 centimeters long inflorescences. The flower has five petals. The top often has a different color and is rolled along a little. Stamens and style stand out far from the flower. The fruits of the Peacock shrub, up to 12 centimeters long and 2.5 centimeters wide, brown pods.

Dissemination

The original habitat of peacocks shrub are the islands of the Caribbean. The species is now distributed worldwide in the tropics as an ornamental, street tree and park plant. The plant tolerates drought and is resistant to salt.

Use

In addition to the value as an ornamental plant tannins are extracted from the fruits, which are used to color and ink. The poisonous leaves have a laxative and antipyretic effect.