Barbados Pride
Caesalpinia pulcherrima
How it looks
Barbados Pride is a legume shrub with fine, feather-shaped small leaves (bipinnate compound leaves) and red, orange, and yellow flowers that bloom in large clusters at the branch tips. Long red stamens project well beyond the flowers. Height 3-10 ft (1-3 m).
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
The seeds and fruit of Barbados Pride contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble on Barbados Pride rarely leads to serious trouble, but its tannins and alkaloids can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes, causing mild gastrointestinal upset. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves and broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat shows a marked loss of appetite, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Caesalpinia pulcherrima
- Common name
- Barbados Pride
- Toxic parts
- Seeds, Fruit
- Compounds
- Tannins, Alkaloids
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
