Barbados Pride
Caesalpinia pulcherrima · Fabaceae
How it looks
Barbados Pride is a legume shrub with fine, feather-shaped small leaves (bipinnate compound leaves) and red, orange, and yellow flowers that bloom in large clusters at the branch tips. Long red stamens project well beyond the flowers. Height 3-10 ft (1-3 m).
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
The seeds and fruit of Barbados Pride contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Onset (typical course)
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Barbados Pride rarely leads to serious trouble, but its tannins and alkaloids can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset.
Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach.
This species is also sold as "dwarf poinciana," and the same name covers Caesalpinia gilliesii (PLANT 143) and royal poinciana (Delonix regia, PLANT 591). Everything on this page refers to Caesalpinia pulcherrima; if the botanical name differs, check that plant's own page.
If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
Details
- Scientific name
- Caesalpinia pulcherrima
- Common name
- Barbados Pride
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Toxic parts
- Seeds, Fruit
- Compounds
- Tannins, Alkaloids
- Source
- ASPCA cats plant list
Also known as
Related plants
Same plant family· Fabaceae
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