Caesalpinia pulcherrima (Red Bird of Paradise, Pride of Barbados)

Originally from the tropical West Indies, this plant is widely grown for its exotic flowers and has escaped cultivation in some areas. It is evergreen in frost-free climates, but drops leaves in most regions. In the low deserts it is usually cut back almost to the ground in the winter months. It quickly regrows a rosette of upright, woody stems bearing lush compound leaves in the early summer, followed by bright orange and red flowers with long red stamens. This plant performs best in full sun and well-drained soils.