Caesalpinia Peltopheroides

Caesalpinia Peltopheroides (Sebipira) is a large tree, native to Brazil, in nature it can reach a height of 90 feet (27.43 m). But it is more commonly between 20 to 60 feet tall. It has an attractive rounded, dense crown and gray, rough fissured bark.

The bright green leaves are bipinnate, and 10 inches (25.4 cm) long. Its small delicate leaflets are symmetrical opposite and about 3/8 inch long. Exuberant flowering puts forth erect conical inflorescences borne above the leaves with numerous yellow blooms.  The blooms open sequentially from the base to the apex lasting more than 1 month.

Also, the light brown fruits are flattened, woody pods 3 to 5 inches (12.7 centimeters) long by 1 inch (2.54 cm) wide. The fruit remains on the tree for months before reaching full maturity when they split to disperse seeds (1 to 5). As a result, the tree propagates from seed easily.

Caesalpinia Peltopheroides (Sebipira), does not have aggressive roots and is said to live 100 years. In cultivation, the tree is hardy but frost sensitive; it benefits from trimming. With its spectacular flowering event and handsome delicate leaves, Sebipira is a good landscaping choice for parks and gardens as a showpiece specimen tree. It is also suitable for planting as a street tree and in parking lots.