South America (Venezuela, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Argentina, and Chile)
Caesalpinia spinosa (Molina) Kuntze is a small tree/large shrub in the Fabaceae that is native to South America and has been introduced as an ornamental into the United States. Plants can grow up to 5 m (sometimes up to 7 m) high. Branches are armed with short prickles. Pinnately compound leaves are also armed with prickles at the base of pinnae. Leaflets are sessile, elliptic, and typically 5-7 pairs per leaf. Leaf bases have no stipules. Its flowers are reddish-yellow. Fruit is a long indehiscent pod.
Caesalpinia spinosa has been introduced as an ornamental into the United States and elsewhere because of its showy flowers and fruits. Parts of the plant have also been used as dye, as a thickening agent, and as an eyewash.