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Description
Parkinsonia Aculeata, also known as Mexican Palo Verde or Jerusalem Thorn, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is native to Mexico, but it is widely cultivated in the southwestern United States, Central America, and South America. This tree can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide, with a rounded shape and an open canopy. Parkinsonia Aculeata produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring, followed by long, flat seed pods that are up to 10 inches long.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Parkinsonia |
| Species | Aculeata |
Appearance
Parkinsonia Aculeata has a distinctive appearance with its green, thorny branches and small, bright green leaves that are bipinnate. The leaves are about 1 inch long and are composed of many small leaflets. The tree also has a smooth, grayish-green bark that becomes more rough and fissured as the tree ages. Parkinsonia Aculeata produces small, yellow flowers that bloom in late winter or early spring, which are followed by long, flat seed pods that are up to 10 inches long. The tree’s open canopy allows for plenty of sunlight to reach the ground, making it an ideal tree for landscaping in hot and dry areas.
Care Guide
Parkinsonia Aculeata is a low-maintenance tree that is tolerant of drought and poor soil conditions. However, it does require some care to thrive:
Water: Parkinsonia Aculeata prefers well-drained soil and does not require frequent watering. Water deeply once a week during the growing season, and reduce watering during the winter months.
Fertilization: Fertilize once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees.
Soil: Parkinsonia Aculeata prefers sandy or gravelly soil that is well-drained. It can tolerate alkaline soil and is often found growing in desert areas.
Sunlight: Parkinsonia Aculeata requires full sunlight to thrive. Plant in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Hardiness Zones: Parkinsonia Aculeata can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Parkinsonia Aculeata is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be affected by the following:
Chlorosis: Parkinsonia Aculeata is susceptible to chlorosis, which is a condition where the leaves turn yellow due to a lack of iron in the soil. Treat with an iron supplement.
Spider Mites: Spider mites can infest Parkinsonia Aculeata, causing the leaves to become discolored and dried out. Treat with a miticide.
Scale Insects: Scale insects can also infest Parkinsonia Aculeata, causing the leaves to become yellow and the bark to become sticky. Treat with an insecticide.
Habitat
Parkinsonia Aculeata is native to Mexico, but it is widely cultivated in the southwestern United States, Central America, and South America. It is often found growing in desert areas and can tolerate extreme heat and drought. Parkinsonia Aculeata is also used for erosion control and as an ornamental tree in landscaping.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Parkinsonia Aculeata a drought-tolerant tree?
A: Yes, Parkinsonia Aculeata is highly tolerant of drought and can survive in poor soil conditions.
Q: When should I fertilize Parkinsonia Aculeata?
A: Fertilize Parkinsonia Aculeata once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer formulated for trees.
Q: What are the common pests that can infest Parkinsonia Aculeata?
A: Spider mites and scale insects are common pests that can infest Parkinsonia Aculeata.
Q: Where is Parkinsonia Aculeata native to?
A: Parkinsonia Aculeata is native to Mexico.
Related Plants
- Parkinsonia Florida
- Parkinsonia Microphylla
- Parkinsonia Praecox
- Parkinsonia Texana
References
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/ornamental/trees/palo-verde/growing-palo-verde-trees.htm
- https://www.desertmuseum.org/books/nhsd_parkinsonia_aculeata.php
- https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=899
