Mexican Poinciana

(Coulteria platyloba)

Mexican Poinciana (Coulteria platyloba)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Coulteria platyloba, commonly known as Mexican Poinciana or Mexican Fern Tree, is an evergreen tree native to the dry forests and thorn scrub of Mexico and Central America. It typically grows to a height of 8-20 feet (2.4-6.1 meters) and a width of up to 4 feet (1.2 meters). This species forms a rounded canopy with a fine, feathery texture, thanks to its bipinnate leaves. The bright yellow flowers, which appear in clusters, bloom intermittently throughout the year, with a peak flowering season in the spring and summer. The flowers are quite showy and attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

Mexican Poinciana is valued for its drought tolerance and ornamental features, including its attractive foliage and vibrant flowers. It is used in cultivation for urban planting, as a specimen tree, and for creating light shade in gardens. It thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers well-drained soils. While it tolerates a range of soil types, it does best in soils with medium drainage. This tree is relatively low-maintenance and is resistant to most pests and diseases. However, it may require occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Tree
  • Height: 8-20 feet
  • Width: 2-4 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
  • Leaf Retention: Evergreen

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
  • Water: Low, Medium
  • Drainage: Medium

Common Uses

Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance

Natural Habitat

Native to the dry forests and thorn scrub of Mexico and Central America

Other Names

Common Names: Paela, Aripin, Mexican Permambuco, Orange Heart

Scientific Names: , Caesalpinia platyloba, Coulteria platyloba, Brasilettia pilosa, Brasilettia platyloba, Caesalpinia blasiana, Brasilettia pubescens, Brasilettia blasiana,

GBIF Accepted Name: Coulteria platyloba (S.Watson) N.Zamora