Bird of paradise tree
Caesalpinia gilliesii

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It can be 5 m high. The branches are smooth. The leaves are 10-20 cm long. There are 7-11 pairs of leaflets. The flowers are at the end of the branches. The flowers are bright yellow with orange markings. The stamen are bright red and 8 cm long. The fruit are oblong and curved pods. They are 6-12 cm long by 1-2 cm wide and flat.

There are about 150 Caesalpinia species. Also as Caesalpinaceae.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It needs a light to medium well-drained soil. It should be rich in humus. It needs a protected partly shaded position. It is damaged by drought or frost. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 2,500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina (country/location of origin), Asia, Australia, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, Hawaii, Indonesia, Namibia, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, SE Asia, Slovenia, South America (country/location of origin), United Arab Emirates, UAE, Uruguay, USA

How it is used for food

The flower stamen are used to adulterate saffron. Caution:

Edible parts

Flowers - spice

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed. The seed need treatment before sowing. They can also be grown from cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Algarrobillo, Bar ba de chivo, Disciplina de monja, Gilliesova cezalpinija, Kemerakan cendrawasih, Lagana de perro, Maldiojo, Pichana, Pisciba

Synonyms

Poinsiana gilliesii W.J. Hooker;