Caesalpinia

Caesalpinia— a genus of perennial plants in the family Leguminosae (Fabaceae).

The genus includes more than a hundred species growing in the warm regions of both hemispheres. It was named by Charles Plumier in 1703 in honor of Andrea Caesalpini (Ital. Andrea Caesalpini, 1524—1603), an Italian botanist and philosopher; later this name was used by Carl Linnaeus. According to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature, plant names published before 1 May 1753 are not considered validly published, and the name is formally attributed to Linnaeus.

Members of the genus are trees and shrubs, sometimes lianas (climbing shrubs), often spiny, with bipinnate leaves.

Because of its bright, exotic appearance it is called the "pride of Barbados." Caesalpinia has bright, glossy red flowers with long stamens, rather large, in racemes. It blooms in summer. The fruit is a pod, leathery, flat or swollen, dehiscent or indehiscent.

In a room or greenhouse it can grow from 1 to 2 m, but keeping it at home is not easy. It is difficult to find the right location: it likes light, but excessively hot sun can scorch its delicate small leaves. In partial shade Caesalpinia may completely refuse to grow. It prefers humid air, but the soil should not be wet. In unsuitable conditions this attractive but capricious and sensitive plant becomes diseased, grows poorly and may eventually die.

Caesalpinia gilliesi

In cultivation: Caesalpinia pulcherrima with red and yellow flowers (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) is heat-loving and very demanding of growing conditions; Caesalpinia Gillies (Caesalpinia gilliesii) is more adaptable in cultivation than the previous species.

The first species is preferably kept in a greenhouse at 20 °C year-round, whereas Caesalpinia gilliesii grows well outdoors in summer.

Caesalpinia pulcherrima

Location: requires good lighting without direct sunlight and increased humidity. Caesalpinia gilliesii (Caesalpinia gilliesii) can be placed outdoors and used as a plant for the garden or terrace.

Care: The soil should be kept slightly moist, and a liquid fertilizer for potted plants should be applied once a month.

Propagation: by seeds, which should be soaked for 24 hours in warm water before sowing.