Sesbania punicea (Spanish gold, rattlebox, or scarlet sesban) is an ornamental shrub with reddish-orange flowers native to South America.

Due to its high demand for water, this species is often found on marshy shorelines.

In the United States, this species blooms between June and September, in South Africa between November and January.

The branches of this shrub are rather thin, and green, but turn a darker red brown when they mature.

[5] The large pea pods are divided into four compartments and appear as if they have shrunk slightly due to drying.

As the season progresses, they turn a darker green, eventually becoming dark brown.

[5][9][11][13] These plants are used as ornamentals due to their graceful shape and beautiful red flowers.

The species has been classified as invasive in many of the southern United States such as Virginia, California, Texas, and Florida.

[8] It is replacing native species of plants in riparian areas, taking food resources away from the local wildlife.

Its close relative S. virgata[12] has been used to control soil erosion, rehabilitate disturbed areas, and revitalize riparian habitats.

[12] Juice made from the leaves of this plant reduces the response to painful stimulation and inflammatory edema in mice.

[6] Humans who ingest this plant or its seeds may become very sick and may suffer vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory failure, and death.

The adult weevils feed on the leaves and lay single eggs in premature flower buds.

The larvae then feed on the stamens and carpels of the flower and pupate in the hollow husks of the buds.