| Binomial |
Caesalpinia pulcherrima (L.) Sw.
|
| Family |
Fabaceae |
| Tamil Name |
Mayil Kontai (மயில் கொன்றை)
|
| Tree |
Upright shrub or small tree with sharp prickles along its stem.
|
| Flowers |
Red-Orange/Peach-colour with yellow margin borne in axillary/terminal racemes, bowl-shaped.
|
| Fruits |
Pods oblong, flat
|
| Flowering Period |
Almost throughout the year
|
| Pollinators |
Butterflies |
| Country of origin |
Tropical America |
| About the tree |
It is a striking ornamental plant. A decoction or infusion of the roots, bark, leaves or flowers is used as a purgative. According to the dosage it may be used as a mouthwash and also as a remedy for colds and fevers. An infusion of the flowers are prescribed for the treatment of gall bladder problems. Urinary tract problems can be treated by the red flowers of C. pulcherrima. Interestingly, the charring of this wood yields a type of ink. All seeds of Caesalpinia are poisonous.
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