Parkinsonia aculeata
TAXONOMY
FamilyFabaceae
GenusParkinsonia
Zone9
LEARN MORE
Plants of the World OnlineABOUT
Parkinsonia aculeata, commonly known as the Jerusalem Thorn or Mexican Palo Verde, is a shrub or small tree native to seasonally dry tropical climates. It belongs to the Fabaceae family and is known for its green bark and delicate, fern-like leaves. The plant can grow up to 8 meters tall and produces bright yellow flowers. It has a dormancy period during the dry season.
ALSO KNOWN AS
Mexican palo verde
Parkinsonia inermis
Parkinsonia spinosa
Parkinsonia thornberi
OVERVIEW
VPDCalculate
WaterDry
SoilLoamy
LightDirect Bright (8 Hours)
Temperature25° C
Humidity40%
Dormancy2 Months
pH6.5
Pressure1,013 mbar
DETAILS
Care Instructions
Parkinsonia aculeata thrives in bright, direct sunlight and prefers warm temperatures. It can tolerate dry conditions but benefits from occasional watering during prolonged dry spells. The plant does well in moderate humidity and should be protected from frost.Soil
This plant prefers well-draining loamy soil. It can tolerate poor soil conditions but thrives best in soil that is not too compacted. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.Fertilizer
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 can be applied during the growing season. Fertilize sparingly, as the plant does not require heavy feeding.Repotting
Repotting is generally not necessary for Parkinsonia aculeata, but if grown in a container, it should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth.Propagation
Propagation is typically done through seeds, which should be soaked in water for 24 hours before planting. The best time to propagate is during the spring or early summer.Pruning
Pruning is required to maintain the shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. Prune during the dormant season to encourage new growth in the spring.Toxicity
Parkinsonia aculeata is not known to be toxic to pets or humans. However, it has thorns that can cause physical injury if not handled carefully.Additional
This plant is drought-tolerant and can be used in xeriscaping. It is also known for its ability to fix nitrogen in the soil, improving soil fertility.REVOLUTIONIZE YOUR PLANT CARE
Make Every Plant Smart
Plant Monitor
STAYS IN YOUR PLANT
Accurately measures the core metrics of your plant – soil moisture, light, temperature and humidity - as well as compound metrics such as Vapor Pressure Deficit (VPD) and Growing Degree Days (GDD).
Shop Now
