Parkinsonia seeds - Horse thorn (Parkinsonia aculeata)

Number 500 Common name: Parkinsonia Scientific name: Parkinsonia aculeata Parkinsonia was named in honor of the British botanist John Parkinson. It is a fast-growing, evergreen desert thorny tree from the legume family. It is a perennial tree that exceeds 10 meters in height. The leaves are short-lived in desert conditions, but when the tree becomes leafless, the leaf stalks remain silky-like needles, surrounded by two rows of small, oval-shaped leaflets, between 25-30. It is considered one of the most drought-tolerant trees. • Flower of Parkinsonia - Horse Thorn: Dense flowers in yellow clusters with a red center, blooming for several months from March to September, and are among the favorite flowers for bees. • Fruit and seeds of Parkinsonia - Horse Thorn: The fruits are slender pods reaching about 15 cm in length. • Propagation season of Parkinsonia - Horse Thorn: It is planted from March to August, and can also be cultivated year-round in agricultural protected areas, enclosed or plastic places where temperature can be controlled, and where the plant receives adequate sunlight or lighting. • Suitable climate and soil for Parkinsonia - Horse Thorn: It tolerates temperatures above 50°C, as well as frost and sub-zero cold, in addition to drought and high salinity. It can be cultivated in many types of soil. • Method of cultivating Parkinsonia - Horse Thorn: It propagates by seeds, which must be soaked in water for at least 24 hours before planting. It can also be propagated by cuttings in spring or through air layering. • Its benefits and uses: Used as windbreaks, its wood is used as fuel for heating, producing the finest types of charcoal, and its leaves are excellent fodder for animals. • Native habitat of Parkinsonia - Horse Thorn: Panama and North America. It is cultivated in Saudi Arabia and many hot and desert areas.