The Bird of Paradise Bush

Caesalpinia Gilliesii

My favorite shrub that brings color and wildlife to my yard in summer is an unusual tropical plant commonly known as the bird of paradise bush or technically the Caesalpinia gilliesii.  I am particularly fond of this plant not only for the color and softness it brings to the high desert, but also for its drought-tolerance.

A member of the legume family, the Caesalpinia gilliesii originates from Argentina and Uruguay.  Also known as the desert bird of paradise, yellow bird of paradise and barba de chivo, it is not related to the tropical bird  of paradise genus Sterlitzia.

During the hot, dry summers, a small amount of water will keep the flowers  in bloom and the shrub will continue to grow, possible reaching from 3-4  meters tall.  Extending from the yellow flowers are the long red stamens  that give the bird of paradise bush its unique appeal.

The seed pods will ripen in the fall where the dry seeds will pop out with a  loud sound and fly for great distance.  If one lands in the soft soil, a new  plant will start to grow.  This plant is very prolific and to keep it from  growing all over my yard, I transplant the young shoots to small containers where I can share them with friends.

The seed pods and seeds are very toxic, producing severe vomiting and  abdominal distress, however it is noted that the plant is used as a medicine  to cure fever, coughs and sores by indigenous people of the Amazon  Rainforest.

The delicate leaf patterns remind me of the mimosa tree and the faint sweet fragrance smells so nice in the summer air.  Hummingbirds, bees and  butterflies are attracted to the nectar, but not deer, the bird of paradise  bush is resistant to deer.

For additional information:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesalpinia_gilliesii

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