Consulta Plantas

Care of the plant Parkinsonia aculeata or Mexican palo verde

The genus Parkinsonia, family Fabaceae, comprises 12 species of trees and shrubs native to dry regions of America and Africa. Some species are: Parkinsonia aculeata, Parkinsonia africana, Parkinsonia florida, Parkinsonia texana.

Common names: Jerusalem thorn, Jelly bean tree, Mexican palo verde. This species is native to Mexico.

They are fast-growing trees with a wide crown that reach 8 meters (26.24 feet) in height. They have deciduous leaves formed by serrated leaflets and thorns on the branches. The showy flowers appear in axillary yellow-orange clusters. They bloom in summer. The fruits, edible, are brown pods 10 cm (3.93") long.

These plants, ideal for the Mediterranean climate, are used to form hedges, as isolated specimens and in streets and public parks (they resist pollution). The leaves and bark have medicinal properties against cough and fever.

Parkinsonia aculeata requires full sun exposure; in semi-shade they grow more slowly. They resist occasional frosts.

They grow in any type of soil that is well drained, even calcareous soils.

Water moderately, waiting until the substrate has completely dried. They are very resistant to prolonged drought.

Prune at the end of winter to strengthen the plant and so that the branches do not grow down.

Fertilize once with mineral fertilizer in spring.

They are easy to grow plants that are highly resistant to pests and diseases.

They are propagated from seeds sown in spring.

Images of the plant Parkinsonia aculeata or Mexican palo verde