Bird Of Paradise, Bird-of-paradise shrub

Caesalpinia gilliesii

Physical Characteristics

Caesalpinia gilliesii is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft 5in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Southern South America - Argentina and Uruguay.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antitumor The seeds are reported to have antitumour activity[274].

Known Hazards

The green seed pods are severely irritating to the digestive tract[274].