Caesalpinia Pulcherrima

Caesalpinia Pulcherrima tree description

The Caesalpinia Pulcherrima (Dwarf Poinciana) tree’s common name creates confusion because it is not a miniature form of the Royal Poinciana tree. The tree does have a resemblance to its larger namesake.

Dwarf poinciana, is a small tree (12 feet 3.66 m) or shrub. The crown is dense, vase-shaped, but irregular. It has drooping branches, susceptible to breakage. Also, the  green leaves are bipinnate, mostly opposite, oblong or oval, 8 to 16 inches (40.64 cm) long overall. While the leaflets are less than 2 inches (5.08 cm) long.

Its flowers are showy and borne on lengthy stalks up to 8 inches (20.32 cm) long projecting above the leaves. The blooms are bowl-shaped, 2 to 3 inches (7.62 cm) across. The yellow, orange or red petals have extended red stamens. Moreover, fruits are flat, brown pods, 3 to 4 inches (10.16 cm) long, splitting open when ripe to expose small brown seeds. Furthermore, the trunk, branches and petioles have sharp spines.

Dwarf Poinciana cultivation

Propagate the Caesalpinia Pulcherrima (Dwarf Poinciana) with seeds. Once propagated, this plant is easy to grow in well-drained alkaline to acid soils. Also, due to the plant’s natural growth form, low-branching and spreading it can obtain shrub form.

Dwarf Poinciana benefits from trimming and ideal for landscaping, especially for informal plantings in gardens or parks; it is considered a colorful accent along a shrub border.

Other common names: Peacock flower

🌳More popular and beautiful plants: Cassia Javanica