Common Name: Peacock Flower

General Information

Caesalpinia pulcherrima is a deciduous or evergreen shrub or small tree with a spreading crown. Usually without prickles, it can grow up to 5 metres tall. The slender trunk is usually straight and cylindrical and can be free of branches for 100cm or more[, , ].
A multipurpose plant, it is often gathered from the wild for local food and medicinal use. It is widely grown throughout the tropics as an ornamental and as a hedge, being valued especially for its incredibly showy blossoms[, ].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Originally from Tropical America, now pantropical.

Habitat

Tropical dry to moist forest[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	4.00 m
Pollinators	Butterflies
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

An evergreen plant in the tropics, in cooler but frost-free areas it is more likely to become deciduous whislt in areas with occasional frosts it can survive as a perennial plant, dying down to ground level in the cold season but regrowing with the warmer weather.
Succeeds in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil[]. Requires a position in full sun[]. Established plants are moderately drought tolerant[].
Widely grown as an ornamental, it has escaped from cultivation and become naturalized in some areas[, ].
Plants can commence flowering when only 8 months old[], and then, in warm climates, can flower all year round[, ].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

Tender young seeds - raw or cooked[301,1981]. A sweetish flavour[]. Eaten as a wayside nibble[]. The seeds are as sweet as a tender pea, but the seed coat must be discarded before eating them[].


Flowers - cooked[].

Medicinal

A decoction or infusion of the roots, bark, leaves or flowers is used as a purgative and emmenagogue[]. According to the dosage it may be used as a mouthwash for teeth or gums, a remedy for colds and fevers, or even as a strong abortifacient[].

The root is astringent, bitter, emmenagogue and, in larger doses, is used as an abortifacient[, ]. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea[].

The leaves are emmenagogue, febrifuge and tonic[]. At larger doses they can be abortifacient[]. An infusion is used to relieve constipation, as a treatment for kidney stones, and to accelerate childbirth[]. The leaves of the yellow flowered form is used to treat stomach-aches[].

An infusion of the leaves and flowers is used as a diuretic[].

The leaves, flowers and seeds are used in the treatment of stomach, urinary bladder and kidney problems[].

An infusion of the leaves and seeds is used as an abortifacient to induce a quick, uncomplicated abortion in early pregnancy[].

The flowers are febrifuge and, when fresh, sudorific[]. An infusion is used as a treatment for gall bladder problems[]. The flowers of the red-flowered form (f. pulcherrima) are used to treat urinary tract problems[].

The seed is pectoral[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is very tolerant of pruning, regrowing even if cut right back to ground level. It is often grown as a hedge[].

Other Uses

An ink is made from the charred wood[].

The seeds (seedpods?) are a source of tannins[]. A yellow dye (when combined with alum) or black dye (when combined with iron) can be obtained[].

The heartwood is pale pink or lustrous golden brown to dull brown; it is clearly demarcated from the thin band of yellowish-white sapwood. The wood has no distinctive taste, but has a faint rancid odour; it is straight-grained; fine-textured; heavy, strong, compact, but susceptible to insect attack[].
The wood makes an excellent charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - pre-soak for 12 - 24 hours in warm water prior to sowing. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on until large enough to plant out.
Softwood cuttings in sand in a frame[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: what is greater, 5 or 9?