Description

General aspect and origins - Caesalpinia gilliesii is also known as yellow bird of paradise or Mexican bird of paradise. This shrub is a close relative to the pride of Barbados, Caesalpinia pulcherrima. The Mexican bird of paradise, as its name does not suggest, is native to South America, and more precisely to Argentina.
Leaves - This Caesalpinia has an evergreen foliage, that can be semi-decidious to decidious in colder climates. Pinnate leaves look like Albizia leaves.
Flowers - This shrub blooms mainly in late spring and in summer. Flowers are yellow, with ornamental and prominent red stamens.

Culture

This bird of paradise does not belong to the Strelitziaceae familly, and should be called dwarf flaming tree instead, as it belongs to the Caesalpiniaceae familly. It is fairly frost-hardy, as it can withstand down to about 15°F (-10°C) in a well-drained ground.
Soil - The Mexican bird of paradise prefers a well-drained ground.

Propagation

Caesalpinia gilliesii can be propagated by seeds or by cuttings, in late summer. Propagation by seeds is fairly easy. If possible, use fresh seeds and soak them into water for a few hours before sowing.
Seeds are dark, rounded and flattened.