A beautiful, curious plant with important medicinal properties? There are and, surely, there will be a great variety of them, but few like the CAESALPINIA PULCHERIRIMA that has managed to capture the attention of different cultures, at different times and be a fundamental element in the hands of healers from various parts of the world. There must be something very special about this flower, without a doubt, and in this article we are going to explain it to you.
Also known as ayoowiri or the carnation flower, caesalpinia pucherrima stands out for its medicinal use by shamans who have highly valued its interesting healing properties. Are you wanting to know more about her, the plant type What is it and its characteristics? Keep reading!
What is caesalpinia pulcherrima
This plant has other names such as “mustache" or "dwarf pontian”. It is a specimen of genus Caesalpinia. It is a shrub about 3 meters high, with flowers that grow in a cluster and with very characteristic petals of yellow colors, red and orange.
This pretty flower is one of the national flowers from Colombia and, specifically, from the island of Barbados. Although it is also found in India and throughout tropical America. In India you can know it by other names such as “Ratnagundhi”.
At first glance, the beauty of its flowers stands out, which has motivated it to be a plant that, in addition to the medicinal uses given to it and which, we will see later, is also used to decorate and beautify gardens. And, in fact, its name “pulcherrima”, in Latin means “beautiful”, which refers to its flowers.
Where Caesalpinia Pulcherrima is grown
The plant comes from tropical areas, being distributed throughout the tropical americaIncluding Mexico and also India. For its development it needs a climate typical of these areas, that is, rainy and sunny.
You can find it in gardens throughout the American territory where this climate predominates and, also, in wooded areas where the appropriate climatic conditions exist: a lot of rain, lots of sun and warm temperatures.
Characteristics of the caesalpinia pulcherrima plant
Analyzing its leaves and flowers we find the following characteristics in the specimens of the plant ayoowiri.
How are your leaves
The leaves of this type of plant are alternate, bipinnate and stand out for their intense green color. It has very small, oval-shaped leaflets that make the bush look very leafy and even exuberant.
What the flowers of the caesalpinia pulcherrima are like
Special mention deserve the flowers of the dwarf Ponciana, the other name by which we have mentioned before that this species is known. The first thing that will attract your attention will be its very vivid colors, in yellow, red and orange tones, all of them very intense.
The petals (each flower has five petals) have an asymmetrical shape and their stamens are also surprising, because they protrude from the flower as they are very long. This is another of the features of its flowers that impresses the most when you see them.
They grow in the form of a cluster and make the flower look incredibly beautiful, so much so that it is considered symbol of beauty among the cultures that cultivate it and that venerate it, which are many, by the way.
When is the planting season for Caelsapinia pulcherrima?
If you are thinking about having this shrub in your house, garden or field, you should know that its cultivation is quite simple, so, as long as the climatic conditions are suitable, you can give yourself the privilege of having this fascinating specimen nearby. The caesalpinia pucherrima is sown in spring, while around June and July is when it blooms.
How to grow this carnation flower
La carnation flower, another of the names that we have seen that this species has, develops quickly. You can choose between sow your seeds or plant your cuttings. It has a very hard seed, so it should be soaked for two or three days so that it softens and breaks better during sowing.
It needs a good substrate, better if it has sand or peat and good drainage, as well as enough space.
If you chose to plant the cuttings, the ideal time is late winter. The procedure is the same: fertile land with good drainage and enough space for it to develop without problems. Soon you will see your bush grow and its flowers sprout.
It is also recommended to prune, once its flowers and fruits have emerged, when the frosts have come to an end, because this way you will heal the bush. It needs plenty of light, moderate watering and protection from frost.
What are the healing properties of Caesalpinia pulcherrima?
The shamans or wise men knew well the healing properties of caesalpinia pulcherrima. The flowers and leaves have been used since ancient times to prepare infusions and other ointments. They say that the plant helps strengthen the immune system and promote mental clarity and that it helps with stress and anxiety.
Apart from its medicinal uses, caesalpinia pulcherrima has other more spiritual uses, as it is used to ward off negative energies and, for this reason, it is used as part of ritual ceremonies.
You do have to be careful because the sap of this plant is toxic, so it is advisable not to use it madly, but rather to first obtain advice from people who really know the use of the plant in depth.
To this day, there are still shamans dedicated to these purposes, using plants and flowers to make medicinal remedies and using elements of this type to invoke rituals that protect not only the body, but also the spirit.
What did you think of the caesalpinia pulcherrima? It is the plant used by shamans, but also a beautiful specimen for decorative purposes that is worth knowing in depth. Would you like to have it in your home? We have explained how to grow it, because it impresses with its beauty and its medicinal properties and, for some reason, it has been considered a botanical jewel for many years and admired by different, very diverse cultures.