Our Caesalpinia are bushes or saplings ideal for small gardens that rarely exceed 6 meters in height. They have very ornamental flowers and leaves very similar to that of the flamboyant (Delonix direction). In fact, in some regions they are known as the “false flamboyant”. The genus includes more than 100 species distributed in tropical and subtropical climates, but fortunately there are some that support light frosts once adult.
We will tell you everything about the two best known species: the The most beautiful Caesalpinia and Caesalpinia gilliesi. Both can be grown equally well from seed. In addition, they have a fast growth and, if the weather is good, they can bloom from the second year of age.
The most beautiful Caesalpinia
We start with the most tropical, but also with the one that is practically identical to flamboyant: the The most beautiful Caesalpinia. It can be found in the tropics of the American continent. It grows to a height of 4 meters, with bipinnate leaves and red flowers.
In cultivation it needs a warm climate, but it must be said that it is a little more rustic than our beloved Delonix direction. While the latter will hardly support very mild frosts, at the The most beautiful Caesalpinia it doesn’t cost that much. Therefore, in climates such as the warm Mediterranean, where there are rarely frosts, it is a species that could be tried and surely with success.
Caesalpinia gilliesii
The Caesalpinia gilliesii It is originally from Argentina. Its leaves are also bipinnate, but the flowers are yellow. It grows to a height of three meters. It has a very interesting peculiarity, and that is that if the climatic conditions accompany it, it can flourish as early as the first year of age.
This is a plant that resists light frosts (some experts comment that it holds up to -4º), therefore, it can be had without problems in climates with cool winters.
To achieve a high percentage of germination of Caesalpinia seeds, it is important to get fresh seeds, of the year. Once obtained, they will be subjected to the germination treatment known as thermal shock; that is, they will be placed in a glass of boiling water for one second, and later in another glass with water at room temperature for 24 hours. After that time they will be sown in preferably individual seedbeds.
They are fast-growing plants that, in addition, can be kept in a pot all their lives due to their small size and their easily controllable growth.
