Pride of Barbados
Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Pride of Barbados
Caesalpinia pulcherrima
The Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) is a well-known flowering shrub in the pea family, Fabaceae. It goes by many other names—Barbados Flowerfence, Peacock Flower, Mexican Bird of Paradise, Dwarf Poinciana, and Dwarf Flamboyan—reflecting its popularity across warm regions.
This shrub typically grows up to about 3 metres tall. Its leaves are finely divided and feathery, made up of several pairs of pinnae, each lined with many small oval leaflets. The plant produces long, showy flower clusters up to 20 cm in length. Each bloom has five brightly coloured petals in shades of yellow, orange, or red, often appearing in brilliant combinations. After flowering, it forms slender brown pods measuring 6–12 cm long.
The Pride of Barbados holds special significance as the national flower of Barbados and appears at the top corners of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal Barbadian flag.
Because of its striking colour and compact size, this species is widely grown in gardens, parks, and landscaped areas throughout the tropics. It responds well to pruning and can be shaped into hedges or grown as a standalone ornamental. Its vivid blossoms are also excellent for attracting hummingbirds.
Caesalpinia pulcherrima
The Pride of Barbados (Caesalpinia pulcherrima) is a well-known flowering shrub in the pea family, Fabaceae. It goes by many other names—Barbados Flowerfence, Peacock Flower, Mexican Bird of Paradise, Dwarf Poinciana, and Dwarf Flamboyan—reflecting its popularity across warm regions.
This shrub typically grows up to about 3 metres tall. Its leaves are finely divided and feathery, made up of several pairs of pinnae, each lined with many small oval leaflets. The plant produces long, showy flower clusters up to 20 cm in length. Each bloom has five brightly coloured petals in shades of yellow, orange, or red, often appearing in brilliant combinations. After flowering, it forms slender brown pods measuring 6–12 cm long.
The Pride of Barbados holds special significance as the national flower of Barbados and appears at the top corners of Queen Elizabeth II’s personal Barbadian flag.
Because of its striking colour and compact size, this species is widely grown in gardens, parks, and landscaped areas throughout the tropics. It responds well to pruning and can be shaped into hedges or grown as a standalone ornamental. Its vivid blossoms are also excellent for attracting hummingbirds.
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