[Illustration: Caesalpinia gilliesi]
Common names: BIRD-OF-PARADISE-FLOWER
Arizona desert: (_Caesalpinia gilliesi_). Yellow-and-red. May-August.
Pea family. Size: Shrub, up to 10 feet tall.
Widely grown as a decorative shrub by the people of Mexico, this
spectacular import from South America is quite commonly used as an
ornamental in yards and around houses in desert areas of the Southwest.
Under suitable conditions, it may escape and grow wild. The very showy
blossoms with yellow petals and long, thread-like, red filaments are
certain to attract attention.
In contrast to the striking showiness of the blossoms, the plant itself
is straggling and unsymmetrical, and gives off an unpleasant odor.