Pride of Barbados

Scientific name: Caesalpinia pulcherrima

IUCN Red List threat level: Least Concern

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 59.08″ N, 64° 49′ 47.54″ W

Observations:

Phenology Markers

Common Names: Pride of Barbados, Peacock Flower, Red Bird of Paradise, Dwarf Poinciana
Scientific Name: Caesalpinia pulcherrima
Family: Fabaceae (subfamily Caesalpinioideae)
Native Range: Tropics of the Americas, possibly native to the Caribbean and Central America

General Description:

Caesalpinia pulcherrima is a fast-growing shrub or small tree known for its brilliant, flamboyant flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow. Its finely divided, fern-like leaves and long, showy stamens make it a favorite in ornamental gardens across the tropics. It is drought-tolerant and blooms prolifically in sunny conditions.

Phenological Markers:

1. Flowering Period:

First Sign of Budding: Late spring (April – May)
Peak Bloom: Summer through fall (June – October)
End of Flowering: Early winter (November – December), depending on rainfall and pruning
Flower Characteristics: Clusters of five-petaled flowers with prominent red stamens; color may range from fiery red-orange to yellow

2. Leaf Growth and Senescence:

New Leaf Growth: Early spring (March – April)
Leaf Maturity: Late spring (May)
Leaf Senescence: Late fall (November – December), especially in drier or cooler conditions
Leaf Characteristics: Bipinnately compound leaves, delicate and feathery in appearance

3. Fruit Production:

First Sign of Fruit Development: Summer (July – August)
Peak Fruit Maturity: Fall (September – October)
End of Fruit Production: Early winter (November – December)
Fruit Characteristics: Flat, brown seed pods, about 2–4 inches long, often persistent on the plant

4. Dormancy Period:

Dormancy Begins: Late winter (January – February), especially in dry seasons or cooler climates
Dormancy Ends: Early spring (March)
Dormancy Characteristics: Reduced growth, possible leaf drop, no flowering

Ecological Notes:

Pollinators: Bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds are frequent visitors
Wildlife Interaction: Seeds are sometimes eaten by birds; the plant can reseed readily
Soil Preferences: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil; drought-tolerant once established
Growth Habit: Can be pruned into a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree up to 10–15 feet tall

Observational Guidelines:

Management Notes: Pruning may stimulate new growth and flowering flushes

Best Time for Observation: June through October for floral display and pollinator activity

Phenology Triggers: Heavy flowering often follows the first rains of the wet season

Photography Tips: Document flower clusters, new leaves, seed pod development, and pollinator visits