Caesalpinia Gilliesii

by Tammie

Question:

Can you show me a picture and the name of this plant description?

They grow in clusters, the clusters have both buds and seed pods that look like snap peas, but are a lot smaller.

The flowers once the pod blooms are small pale yellow but the stamen, which are fantastic, are brightish red and are about 3 inches long and at the end of them - a seed is attached.

Once they bloom the stamen stand up - it looks as if someone had rubbed a balloon on hair static electricity.

I think this little tree is just gorgeous, spectacular, totally awesome.

Please can you help me?

Thank you,

Tammie

Answer:

Tammie, based on your description, this tropical small tree is Caesalpinia gilleisii (Yellow Bird of Paradise).

Caesalpinia gilliesii, also known as Yellow Bird of Paradise and Desert Bird of Paradise, is a drought-tolerant, fast growing evergreen shrub or small tree native to South America. The delicate, fern-like leaves are bipinnate, dark green to bluish-green in color, and 3-5 inches in length. The smooth trunk is grayish green.

The unique, fragrant flowers bloom in groups at the tips of branches in spring through early summer, then periodically until fall. They are light yellow in color with 4 – 5 inch bright red stamens. The blooming process takes approximately four hours – from closed bud to open flower.

Caesalpinia gilliesii is a rapid growing evergreen shrub, which can grow 5-10 tall with a spread of 4-6 feet wide. Despite being known as Yellow Bird of Paradise, it is not related to the Strelitzia plant family from South Africa.

While this shrub is common to USDA Hardiness Zones 8 – 10, if you live in a climate where the temperature drops below 20° F (-6.5° C), it can be displayed outdoors in a container, and then brought inside to overwinter – as long as you have a space large enough to accommodate the size of the plant.

Caelalpinia Gilleissi – Basic Care Requirements

Lighting

Full Sun to Very Light Shade

Water

Water shrub thoroughly; allow to dry completely between watering.

Soil

When planted in the landscape, choose a location with sandy, rocky soil. For containers, a quick draining soil mixture is ideal. Use a soil mix consisting of one part peat moss, one part loam, to two parts sand. Add a small gravel to increase drainage.

Propagation

The Yellow Bird of Paradise can be propagated from cuttings taken in late summer to early fall, as well as from seed.

Pruning and Maintenance

Minimal pruning is required – pod cleanup, removal of seedlings, and pruning of cold damaged branches. Additional pruning can be done to shape and form the shrub.

Important

Be cautious if you have children or pets. Seeds and parts of this plant are poisonous if ingested.