Overview
Parkinsonia aculeata L., also known as Mexican palo verde, Jerusalem thorn, or palo brea, is a leguminous shrub or small tree that is native to northern Mexico, the southwestern United States, and South America. It belongs to the family Fabaceae.
Description
Mexican palo verde has a cylindrical shape and can grow up to 7 meters in height with a spread of approximately 5 meters. The bark is green when young, turning grayish-brown as the plant ages. The twigs, branches, and trunk are covered with small spines that are persistent on older growth. The leaves are bright green and feathery, and the plant produces bright yellow flowers that bloom in the spring.
Uses
The bark of Mexican palo verde is rich in tannins, making it a valuable source of tannic acid, which is used in the leather tanning industry. The plant also has a range of medicinal properties and has been used traditionally to treat various ailments, such as diarrhea, inflammation, and wounds. In addition, the wood of Mexican palo verde is hard and dense, and is used in the manufacture of tool handles, fence posts, and other construction materials.
Light Requirements
Parkinsonia aculeata L. commonly known as Mexican palo verde is a plant that requires full sunlight for its growth. It thrives best in areas where it can receive up to 12 hours of direct sunlight daily. Therefore, it is not recommended to grow this plant in shaded areas as it would weaken the plant and inhibit its growth.
Temperature Requirements
The plant is native to Mexico and can thrive in tropical and subtropical regions. It requires warm temperatures to grow, with the ideal temperature range being between 15°C to 35°C. The minimum temperature requirements for this plant are 5°C. If planted in areas where temperatures drop below the minimum requirement, the plant's growth would be stunted.
Soil Requirements
Parkinsonia aculeata L. can grow in various types of soil as long as the soil is well-drained. The plant prefers sandy loam soil with a pH range between 6.0 to 8.5. It can also tolerate mildly saline soils with an electrical conductivity of up to 5 dS/m. However, the plant does not grow well in acidic soil with a pH below 6.0.
Cultivation Methods for Parkinsonia Aculeata L.
Parkinsonia aculeata L., commonly known as Mexican palo verde or Jerusalem thorn, is a drought-tolerant plant and can grow in various soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It prefers a warm climate and can survive in temperatures ranging from 10 - 46 degrees Celsius.
Sow the seeds of Parkinsonia aculeata L. in the spring season, and it will take approximately two to three weeks to germinate. The optimum pH for the growth of this plant should be between 7.0 - 8.0. The plant can be propagated through cuttings as well.
Watering Needs for Parkinsonia Aculeata L.
Parkinsonia aculeata L. needs adequate water during the growing season for a better yield. However, it is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive long periods of dry weather. The plant needs to be watered deeply and regularly in the first year of planting. After it has become well established, reduce the frequency of watering.
If the plant starts to wilt during the summer season, it indicates that it needs more water. Water the plant at the base early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid water evaporation from the leaves. During the winter season, the plant requires minimal watering, as it is adapted to the dry season.
Fertilization for Parkinsonia Aculeata L.
Parkinsonia aculeata L. requires moderate fertilization during the growing season. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer having equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (N-P-K) in the ratio of 6-6-6 or 10-10-10. Apply the fertilizer once or twice annually during the growing season.
The plant does not need heavy feeding since excessive nitrogen can lead to weak stem development, attract pests and diseases, and affect the overall plant growth.
Pruning Parkinsonia Aculeata L.
The pruning of Parkinsonia aculeata L. should be done regularly to shape the plant and maintain its growth. It is advisable to prune the plant during the winter season when it is dormant. Remove all the unwanted branches, dead or diseased stems and cut off the lower branches that may hinder movement in the garden.
The pruning should be done with clean and sharp tools to avoid any damage to the plant. After the pruning, make sure to remove all the debris around the plant and dispose of them properly to avoid the accumulation of pests and diseases.
Propagation of Parkinsonia Aculeata L.
Parkinsonia aculeata L., commonly known as Jerusalem thorn or Mexican palo verde, is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant tree primarily propagated by seeds and cuttings. Propagation enables the growth, expansion, and conservation of the tree.
Propagation by seed
Parkinsonia aculeata produces leguminous pods, each containing 5-6 seeds. The seeds, when collected from pods that are mature and dry, have a high germination rate. However, seeds have a limited shelf life and should be planted immediately after collection. Fresh seeds will germinate within 7 to 10 days under suitable conditions.
The seeds should be soaked in water overnight to overcome dormancy induced by the impermeable seed coat. Acid scarification can also break seed dormancy, but it is not necessary for Parkinsonia aculeata. The soaked seeds should be sown 2-3 cm deep in a pot or directly in the ground. The planting medium should be well-drained with a pH range of 6.5-7.5.
The seedlings should be thinned out, leaving one seedling per pot or one seedling per 30 cm for field planting. The young plants should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. They should receive partial shade for the first year of growth to prevent water stress and sunburn.
Propagation by cuttings
Parkinsonia aculeata can also be propagated by stem cuttings from mature, hardwood branches. The cuttings should be 25-30 cm long and 2.5-5 cm in diameter. The cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free trees during the dormant season.
The lower leaves should be removed, leaving only 2-3 leaves at the tip. The cuttings should be planted in well-drained soil with a rooting hormone. The soil should be kept moist by misting or by covering the cuttings with a plastic bag. The cuttings should be kept in a shaded area for the first few weeks before gradually introducing them to sunlight.
Rooting takes place within 4-6 weeks, and the new plant should be transplanted outdoors during the growing season. The newly transplanted plants should be watered regularly and provided with partial shade for the first year of growth.
Disease and Pest Management for Parkinsonia aculeata L.
Parkinsonia aculeata L., also known as Jerusalem thorn or Mexican palo verde, is a species of plant that is susceptible to various diseases and pests. Here are some of the common ones that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Bacterial Canker: This is a bacterial disease that affects the bark of the plant, causing it to become discolored and sunken. It can ultimately lead to the death of the plant. To manage this disease, it's important to prune and dispose of infected branches and to maintain good plant hygiene.
Cotton Root Rot: This is a fungal disease that can cause wilting and death of the plant. It thrives in high soil temperatures and high humidity. To prevent this disease from infecting your plant, avoid planting Parkinsonia aculeata L. in areas where cotton has been grown and ensure proper soil drainage.
Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves that can ultimately lead to defoliation. To manage this disease, it's important to remove and dispose of infected plant debris and to maintain good plant hygiene.
Pests
Spider Mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing discoloration and distortion of the leaves. They thrive in hot and dry conditions. To manage spider mites, you can use predatory insects such as ladybugs or lacewings, or spray neem oil on the affected areas.
Scale Insects: These are small, immobile pests that feed on the sap of the plant, causing yellowing and stunting of the leaves. They secrete a sticky substance called honeydew that can lead to the growth of sooty mold. To manage scale insects, you can use a soft brush to physically remove them from the plant or spray neem oil or insecticidal soap on the affected areas.
Caterpillars: These are insects that can cause defoliation of the plant by feeding on the leaves. To manage caterpillars, you can physically remove them from the plant or use a pesticide labeled for caterpillar control.
By implementing good plant hygiene practices and keeping an eye out for any signs of disease or pests, you can help keep your Parkinsonia aculeata L. plant healthy and thriving.
