Parkinsonia aculeata - Uses, Benefits & Common Names
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
aculeata
ID:
170877
Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl.: 375 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000170206
Common Names
- Jerusalem Thorn
- Retama
- Mexican Palo Verde
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Find Suppliers & Request SamplesSynonyms
- Parkinsonia thornberi M.E.Jones [valid]
- Parkinsonia inermis Spreng. [valid]
- Parkinsonia spinosa Kunth [valid]
Description
Parkinsonia aculeata (also called Jerusalem Thorn, among many other common names) is a shrub native to Central and South America. It has small, yellow flowers and long, thin leaves. It typically grows in dry, sandy soils, and is found in prairies, meadows, and open woodlands.
Uses & Benefits
Parkinsonia aculeata is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used to make traditional medicines for treating various ailments.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Parkinsonia aculeata has small, yellow flowers with yellow centers. The seeds are small, black and oval-shaped. The seedlings are small and have a single, oval-shaped leaf.
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Find Suppliers & Request SamplesCultivation and Propagation
Parkinsonia aculeata is a perennial plant that is best propagated by seed. Seeds should be sown in the spring and can also be propagated by division in the spring or fall. It prefers dry, sandy soils and is tolerant of drought.
Where to Find Parkinsonia aculeata
Parkinsonia aculeata can be found in the southwestern United States, primarily in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
Parkinsonia aculeata FAQ
What type of soil does Parkinsonia aculeata prefer?
Parkinsonia aculeata prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil.
What is the growth rate of Parkinsonia aculeata?
Parkinsonia aculeata has a slow to moderate growth rate.
How much sunlight does Parkinsonia aculeata need?
Parkinsonia aculeata needs full sun to partial shade.
Species in the Parkinsonia genus
Parkinsonia aculeata, Parkinsonia africana, Parkinsonia anacantha, Parkinsonia raimondoi, Parkinsonia scioana, Parkinsonia texana, Parkinsonia florida, Parkinsonia praecox, Parkinsonia carterae, Parkinsonia carterae, Parkinsonia peruviana, Parkinsonia andicola, Parkinsonia sonorae, Parkinsonia glauca, Parkinsonia microphylla,
Species in the Fabaceae family
References
Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
Legume Data Portal link for: Parkinsonia aculeata L.: Based on the 2022 Legume checklist.