Caesalpinia pulcherrima - The pride of Barbados is a large evergreen shrub growing, on average, to 4 meters in height. This plant puts out striking flowers of red, yellow or orange petals. The fruit is contained in a long greenish pod. Upon maturity, the pod turns brown and bursts open for seed dispersal. Each pod contains 5 or 6 seeds and they are poisonous. The pride of Barbados is native to the West Indies and Mexico, but is cultivated throughout the world as an ornamental plant.
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In 1492, the Spanish became the first Europeans to visit Barbados. They were followed by the Portuguese who arrived in 1536. Both groups claimed the island for their respective country, but neither made any efforts to establish a settlement on Barbados. William Courten, an English merchant and trader, was granted letters-patent to Barbados in 1627 and began sending colonists to the island for the purpose of setting up tobacco plantations. England held Barbados until it became independent in 1966.
