Caesalpinia mexicana MEXICAN HOLDBACK (5 seeds)

Mexican Holdback, Mexican bird of paradise yellow also known Caesalpinia mexicana in Latin, is a perennial tropical plant reaching 3 meters in height, native to North America (Texas, Mexico). It is a beautiful shrub with delicate, lacy foliage, sometimes called the "little flamboyant," and belongs to the Caesalpiniaceae family.

The flowering is exceptionally beautiful from March to October. The flower is composed of 5 yellow petals that turn red over time, from which emerge 5 long red stamens measuring 10 cm in length.

Mexican Holdback seeds are brown, oval, drop-shaped, and average 1 centimeter in diameter. The fruits are brown pods 10 cm long, with each pod containing approximately 3 to 7 seeds.

The deciduous and very elegant foliage measures 20 to 30 cm in length. It consists of numerous small, light-green leaflets.

- Uses:

The Caesalpinia is primarily grown for its stunning summer bloom, which can be paired with a summer lilac (Buddleia). It is sometimes used as a substitute for Cebil when preparing certain Amazonian beverages.
In India, a sacred beverage called SOMA is prepared for use during divinatory ceremonies.
Do not consume.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The best time to sow Mexican Holdback seeds is in June, when it is consistently warm day and night.
• Scarify the seeds lightly with sandpaper and soak them in lukewarm water for 24 hours.
• Prepare small 7 cm pots with fine, peat-based potting soil.
• Bury the seeds flat at a depth of 3 to 4 millimeters and cover them.
• Water gently using a spray bottle.
• Place the setup in a greenhouse at 30°C.
• Germination usually begins 3 to 4 weeks after sowing.

- Soil and Substrate:

The ideal substrate should be light and well-draining. It is recommended to choose a fine soil rich in organic matter with a slightly acidic pH. For pot culture, ensure the bottom is well-drained with clay pebbles.

- Exposure and Light:

The plant requires very bright exposure to provide its spectacular flowering. It is therefore essential to find a location in full sun.

- Temperature and Hardiness:

This plant thrives in tropical conditions and needs mild temperatures ranging from 15 to 35°C. Its hardiness is relatively good; it can withstand slightly negative temperatures down to -5°C. Its USDA hardiness zone is 8.

- Watering and Irrigation:

It enjoys water, so it is necessary to water the base of the plant once every 2 days in summer, and once a week during spring and autumn. Mulching can help reduce watering frequency and soil evaporation. When grown in pots, ensure there is no standing water in the saucer, as this could cause root rot.

- Reproduction and Propagation:

It can be propagated by "smothered" cuttings (high humidity) using 15 cm long branches during the summer, or by sowing seeds.

- Pests and Diseases:

The "little flamboyant" is generally not prone to diseases or known pest attacks, though spider mites may occasionally appear when grown indoors.