Caesalpinia Crista

Description

Caesalpinia Crista is a tropical deciduous tree that belongs to the Caesalpiniaceae family. Also known as the Crested Caesalpinia, this tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and can grow up to 15 meters tall. The tree blooms with yellow flowers that are about 3 cm in diameter and appear in long clusters. The flowers are followed by seed pods that are about 10 cm long.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukarya
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Tracheophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Fabales
Family	Caesalpiniaceae
Genus	Caesalpinia

Appearance

Caesalpinia Crista has a slender trunk and a spreading crown. The leaves are bipinnate, with each leaf having about 6-8 pairs of pinnae. The pinnae are about 6-8 cm long and have about 10-20 pairs of leaflets. The leaflets are about 1 cm long and 0.5 cm wide. The tree blooms with yellow flowers that are about 3 cm in diameter and appear in long clusters. The flowers are followed by seed pods that are about 10 cm long.

Care Guide

Water: Caesalpinia Crista requires moderate watering. Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering in winter.

Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.

Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Add organic matter to the soil to improve its fertility.

Sunlight: Caesalpinia Crista requires full sun for optimal growth.

Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Common Pests & Diseases

Caesalpinia Crista is susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew. It may also be attacked by spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. To prevent these problems, ensure good air circulation around the tree, avoid overwatering, and use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat infestations.

Habitat

Caesalpinia Crista is native to the Indian subcontinent and is commonly found in dry deciduous forests, scrublands, and wastelands. The tree is also cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks.

Question and Answer

Q: Is Caesalpinia Crista a fast-growing tree?

A: Yes, Caesalpinia Crista is a fast-growing tree that can grow up to 1-2 meters per year under optimal conditions.

Q: How often should I fertilize my Caesalpinia Crista tree?

A: Fertilize the tree once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.

Q: What is the hardiness zone of Caesalpinia Crista?

A: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 10-11.

Q: How tall can Caesalpinia Crista grow?

A: Caesalpinia Crista can grow up to 15 meters tall under optimal conditions.

Related Plants

• Caesalpinia pulcherrima
• Caesalpinia sappan
• Caesalpinia bonduc

References

• “Caesalpinia Crista Information.” Plants of the World Online, Kew Science. Accessed 4 May 2021. http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:710137-1
• “Caesalpinia Crista.” Floriculture Today. Accessed 4 May 2021. https://floriculturetoday.in/caesalpinia-crista/
• “Caesalpinia Crista.” Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. Accessed 4 May 2021. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Caesalpinia+crista