Cesalpinia, a large genus of leguminous trees, the type of the essentially tropical sub-order Cæsalpinieæ (see LEGUMINOSÆ). The sub-order contains about 1500 species, largely trees, among which many are notable for their purgative properties, as Senna; some produce edible fruits, as the Tamari-rind, the Carob, and the West Indian Locust tree; some yield resinous and balsamic products, as Copaiba, Aloys-wood, &c.; some produce important dye-woods, as Logwood, Brazil-wood, Camwood, &c.; and some are trees of great size, and very valuable for their timber. The genus contains a number of important trees, notably C. echinata (brasilienensis), which yields the Brazil-wood, Pernambuco Wood; and C. sappan, the Sappan-wood of commerce; also C. coriaria, which supplies the astringent pods called Dividivi, used in tanning.
The various species named are dealt with in separate articles.