Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Peacock Tree)

The peacock tree from the legume family (Fabaceae) reachs heights of up to 17 to 20 feet. It has a loose, translucent crown and is deciduous. Its bark is gray and smooth. The alternate, pairy pinnate leaves reach a length of 12 inches. The individual leaves of the pinna is 0.8 to 1.2 inches long. The flowers are orange or red, often with yellow margins. They are sitting in 12 to 16 inches long inflorescences. The flower has 5 petals. The top is often a different color and is rolled along a bit. Stamens and pistil stand out from the flower. The fruits of the peacock tree are up to 4.8 inches long and 1 inch wide, brown pods.

Historically, this peacock tree is originated from the islands of the Caribbean. The species is now distributed in the tropics as an ornamental, street and park tree plant. The plant tolerantes drought and is salt resistant.

Several specimens are standing in our garden.

Flower of Caesalpinia pulcherrima in December 2009.

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Updated by Joachim Jaeck on March 10th, 2010