parkinsonia

Plants of the genus parkinsoniaIf they are characterized by something, it is because they are shrubs or trees that are very resistant to drought, in addition to producing a large number of flowers. In fact, they are widely cultivated in regions where drought is often a problem, such as in areas that have a Mediterranean climate.

In addition, they tolerate high temperatures very well, and if they are pruned, they can even be kept in pots (large).

Origin and characteristics

These are deciduous trees or shrubs belonging to the genus Parkinsonia, which is made up of a dozen species native to the semi-desert regions of both America and Africa. As usual, reach a height between 5 and 12 metersand may or may not have spines. The leaves are bipinnate, with very flattened and long leaflets or pinnae, green in color.

The flowers are hermaphroditicThey are 1-2cm wide and are yellow or whitish depending on the species. The fruit is a leathery legume, inside which it has oblong shaped seeds.

Main species

The most popular are:

• Parkinsonia aculeataKnown as palo verde, espinillo, or cinna-cin, it is native to the southwestern United States and South America. It reaches 10 meters in height, and is thorny.
  It is probably the most widely cultivated in temperate and subtropical zones, although it has a high invasive potential. florid parkinsonia: known as paloverde azul, it is a native tree of the Sonoran desert. It reaches a height of 10 to 12 meters.
• Parkinsonia precox: known as Brea, Chañar brea, Palo verde or Breña, it is a native shrub or tree from Patagonia Argentina to the Arizona desert. It reaches a height of 5-6 meters. Their life expectancy is short: 20 to 30 years.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a copy, we recommend you take care of it as follows:

• Location: it must be outside, in full sun. To avoid problems, it must be planted at a minimum distance of 6 meters from pipes, soil, etc.
• Earth:
  • Flowerpot: not picky. With universal growing medium it will go well.
  • Garden: grows in well-drained soils.
• Irrigation: rather scarce. About 2 times a week in summer and every 6-7 days the rest of the year.
• Subscriber: in spring and summer it is grateful for a regular monthly contribution of organic / homemade fertilizers.
• Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
• Pruning: at the end of winter cut dry, diseased or weak branches, and trim those that are growing too much.
• Rusticity: It depends on the species, but in general they resist frosts down to -5ºC.

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