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small yellow nicker
Scientific Name: Caesalpinia divergens
Family: Fabaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Vine, Shrub
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Small Yellow Nicker (Caesalpinia divergens)
The Small Yellow Nicker, scientifically known as Caesalpinia divergens, is a perennial vine or shrub belonging to the Fabaceae (pea or legume) family. This plant is also known by other names and has some interesting characteristics.
Considerations for Pets
- This plant is known to have spiny pods and leaves.
- The text refers to "nasty" fruits.
Considerations for Children
- This plant is known to have spiny pods and leaves.
- The text refers to "nasty" fruits.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Caesalpinia divergens Urb.
- Synonyms: Guilandina ciliata Bergius ex Wikstr., Caesalpinia ciliata. The text also mentions Guilandina bonduc of Small (1933a), not L., and Guilandina ovalifolia of Small.
- Family: Fabaceae (also known as Leguminosae)
- Rank: Species
- Nomencl. ref.: Symb. Antill. (Urban). 2(2): 271. 1900 20 Oct 1900
Common Names
- Small Yellow Nicker
- Yellow Nicker
- Mato Small Yellow Nicker
Distribution and Habitat
The Small Yellow Nicker is native to tropical America. The plant has also been found in Florida where John Kunkel Small collected yellow nicker on sand. The species also occurs in Hawaii, but is now rare.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- Growth Habit: Vine, Shrub
- Duration: Perennial
- The plant is described as a large, spiny vine that sprawls over shrubs and small trees.
- Flowers: Racemes of small yellow flowers are produced in the leaf axils.
- Leaves: LEAF STIPULE very small, slender, to 3mm.
- Fruit: Oval pods, to 13x6cm, with spiny, two-seeded clusters.
Quirky Facts
- Another common nicker bean in Florida is the yellow nicker, Caesalpinia major.
- The recurved spines can serve as a barrier plant near beaches.
Further Resources
- Encyclopedia of Life
- British Database of World Flora and Fauna