Family: Fabaceae

Tropical shrub, to 10+’ high and wide, Semi-evergreen. Can get almost tree-like in frost free locations. Showy red and orange flowers in warm weather, followed by legume seed pods. Most people keep plants pruned down to a 4-6’ tall shrub.

There is a solid yellow variety of this plant—note: all other species of Caesalpinia are yellow.

Full to part sun, provide moderate to low water when established. This plant often freezes to the ground unless protected, but root hardy to 15°F. Most people will cut plants back each year, as they grow fast (so long as they are watered sufficiently).

Attracts loads of pollinators and is a favorite of larger butterflies like the monarchs, queens, gulf fritillaries, etc. Hummingbirds love the flowers.

Medicinally the bark is used to treat diarrhea. The flowers are claimed to be effective against intestinal worms. The leaves are believed to have purgative properties and used to induce abortion. The west Indians pound the flowers and leaves into a decoction to treat fever.

Maria Sibylla Merian, a 17th-century artist, encountered this plant in the Dutch colony of Surinam In her work, Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium, Merian recorded that African slaves and native Indian populations used this plant as an abortifacient in their practice of traditional medicine.