Caesalpinia mexicana or Mexican Bird of Paradise

Care of the tree Caesalpinia mexicana or Mexican Bird of Paradise

The genus Caesalpinia, family Fabaceae, includes about 100 species of shrubs and trees native to tropical and temperate regions of the entire planet. Some species are: Caesalpinia mexicana, Caesalpinia spinosa, Caesalpinia gilliesii, Caesalpinia vernalis, Caesalpinia japonica, Caesalpinia pulcherrima.

Common names: Mexican bird of paradise, Mexican Caesalpinia, Mexican holdback, Mexican Poinciana, Bird of Paradise Shrub, Yellow Bird of Paradise Shrub, Desert Bird of Paradise Shrub. Scientific synonyms: Poinciana mexicana, Erythrostemon mexicanus. This species is native to Mexico.

They are trees or shrubs with a rounded habit and relatively fast growth that reach 3.5 meters (11.48 feet) in height and width. The compound bipinnate leaves are dark green above and light green below; They can lose their leaves in the cold. They produce showy clusters of yellow flowers. They bloom in summer and early fall. The fruits are large 6 cm long pods that are toxic if swallowed.

Mexican bird of paradise is used as isolated specimens, in bushy groups and in rows. It's ideal for frost-free Mediterranean gardens.

Caesalpinia mexicana prefers full sun exposure and a warm climate; in semi-shade it will produce fewer flowers. It resists light and occasional frosts.

The soil can be a normal well-drained garden soil with coarse sand and containing a little organic matter.

Water moderately waiting for the substrate to dry. Established plants withstand drought well.

Fertilize with a little compost at the end of winter.

Prune lightly at the end of winter to maintain a rounded habit.

Mexican Poinciana is a plant resistant to the usual pests and diseases.

Bird of Paradise Shrub is propagated from seeds sown in fall or spring and by softwood cuttings.