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Fabaceae
Peacock Flower
Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Tropical splendor and proud beauty.
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Genus
- Caesalpinia
- Native to
- tropical Americas, West Indies
- Bloom season
- Summer, Autumn
- Type
- evergreen shrub or small tree
- Height
- 300–600 cm
- Sunlight
- full sun
- Soil
- well-drained, sandy
- Water
- low to moderate
- Hardiness
- 9–11
- Lifespan
- perennial shrub
Did you know
- It is the national flower of Barbados, where it is called 'Pride of Barbados'.
- The long, showy stamens extend far beyond the petals like a peacock's tail feathers, giving it its name.
- Maria Sibylla Merian featured it prominently in her groundbreaking 1705 book on Surinamese insects and plants.
- In traditional Caribbean medicine, the flowers and leaves were used to induce fever reduction.
- Hummingbirds and large butterflies are its primary pollinators, attracted by the bright colors and abundant nectar.
Color meanings
Red
bold passion
Orange
tropical vitality
Yellow
radiant joy