Common Name:

General Information

Cenostigma eriostachys is a large, deciduous shrub or a tree that can sometimes reach 15 metres tall. The irregular trunk can be around 20cm in diameter[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use of its wood. It is used as a barrier hedge and to conserve the soil, and is often grown as an ornamental, valued especially for its very showy flowers which are produced when the tree is leafless[].

Known Hazards

The seeds are reported to cause paralysis in animals that eat them[].
The crushed bark is thrown into water to stupefy fish[].

Botanical References

Range

C. America - Panama to Guatemala and central Mexico; Caribbean - Cuba

Habitat

Brushy hillsides or open forest; at elevations up to 300 metres[].

Properties

Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Native to central America and the Caribbean, Caesalpinia eriostachys is known to succeed at elevations up to 1,500 metres. It grows in areas where the average daily temperature can range from 22 - 32°c and the mean annual rainfall can be as low as 400mm[].
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil. Succeeds in poor soils[].
Although many species within the family Fabaceae have a symbiotic relationship with soil bacteria, this species is said to be devoid of such a relationship and therefore does not fix atmospheric nitrogen[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant is used as a hedge and as a barrier between fields[]. Its extensive root system helps to bind the soil and prevent erosion[].

Other Uses

The heartwood is dark brown; the sapwood is yellowed. The texture is medium to coarse, grain straight to irregular, lustre is medium, there is no appreciable odour[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. When the seedbed-sown seedlings are 5 - 6cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 5 - 6 months later[].
Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have ripened and dried the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[].

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