Brazilian glory-pea (Sesbania punicea, C.F.P.von Martius & auct. suc. (eds.), Fl. Bras. 15(1): 43 (1859))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: (Cav.) Benth.

Bibliography: C.F.P.von Martius & auct. suc. (eds.), Fl. Bras. 15(1): 43 (1859)

Year: 1859

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Sesbania

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. Brazil to NE. Argentina

Description

The Brazilian glory-pea, scientifically named Sesbania punicea, is a striking flowering plant that belongs to the Fabaceae family. First described in detail by C.F.P. von Martius and subsequent authors in 1859, this plant is notable for its vibrant and eye-catching appearance.

Native to Central and Southern Brazil, the Brazilian glory-pea extends its reach into Northeast Argentina, showcasing its adaptability to various climates within South America. This ornamental plant is easily recognized by its lush, pinnate leaves and clusters of bright, pea-like flowers that range from red to deep orange, creating a stunning visual display through the blooming season.

Characterized by its shrub-like growth, Sesbania punicea can often be found thriving along riversides and wetlands where it benefits from moist, well-drained soils. Its ability to fix nitrogen makes it a valuable plant for soil enrichment in its native habitats. However, it has also become an invasive species in some regions outside its native range, where it competes with local flora.

In its native ecosystems, the Brazilian glory-pea supports local wildlife, providing both food and habitat. The nectar-rich flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and birds, contributing to the plant’s ecological role in biodiversity maintenance.

The vibrant beauty and ecological significance of the Brazilian glory-pea underscore its importance both botanically and aesthetically. Whether admired for its ornamental value or studied for its ecological contributions, Sesbania punicea remains a remarkable species within the rich tapestry of South American flora.

Common Names

Eng: brazilian glory-pea, rattlebox, coffeeweed, rattlepod, red sesbania
Fra: flamboyant d’hyères
Por: acácia-de-flores-vermelhas, fedegoso-da-praia
Afr: rooi sesbania
En: Brazilian glory-pea, Coffeeweed, Red sesbania, Rattlebox, Rattlepod, Purple River-Hemp, Caf≠ de la Costa, Purple Rattle-bush, Rattle Box, Scarlet Wistaria Tree, Rattelbox, False Poinciana
Af: Rooi sesbania, Brasiliaanse glorie-ertjie
Ar: سيسبان قرمزي
Fr: Flamboyant d’Hyères
De: Orange Wisterie
Fa: لوبیای درختی چهارپر
Pt: Acácia-de-flores-vermelhas, Fedegoso-da-praia
Es: Sesbania

Synonyms

• Daubentonia punicea ((Cav.) DC.)
• Solulus elegans ((G.Don) Kuntze)
• Emerus puniceus ((Cav.) Kuntze)
• Piscidia ovalifolia (Larrañaga)
• Piscidia punicea (Cav.)
• Piscidia ovalis (Larrañaga)
• Sesbania tripetii ((Poit.) Mouill.)
• Ormocarpum elegans (G.Don)
• Aeschynomene miniata (Ortega)
• Daubentonia superbissima (Haage & Schmidt ex K.Koch)
• Daubentonia tripetii (Poit.)
• Daubentonia tripetiana (Poit.)

Distribution

• Argentina Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Paraguay (native)
• Uruguay (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Georgia (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• KwaZulu-Natal (introduced)
• Lesotho (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Malawi (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• South Carolina (introduced)
• Swaziland (introduced)
• Texas (introduced)
• Zambia (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Flower

Taken Sep 8, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Pascal MILCENT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Pascal MILCENT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 5, 2020 by vítor xavier (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 8, 2019 by Célio Célio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 23, 2019 by Fr Perr (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 17, 2021 by Kountry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2019 by Moyano Tony Moyano (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude ECHARDOUR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 22, 2021 by Rodriguez Coca (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2022 by Prisciliane Ramos (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 14, 2022 by Mathieu Bodin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Johnnie Walters (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2021 by CENI Bernardino Rivadavia Huerta Grande (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 6, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2022 by Lorenzi Harri (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken May 11, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude ECHARDOUR (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude ECHARDOUR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 5, 2021 by Mae D (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2021 by Gerardo Gonzalez (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 4, 2019 by Eric Lebre (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2020 by couto nuno (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 3, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Claude ECHARDOUR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 8, 2009 by Tela Botanica − Jean-Pascal MILCENT (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2970728)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:518525-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Sesbania punicea (Cav.) Benth.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb

Growth