Parkinsonia tree seeds - horse thorn (Parkinsonia aculeata)

Common name: Parkinsonia Scientific name: Parkinsonia aculeata Also known as: Fersal thorn Parkinsonia was named in honor of the British botanist John Parkinson. It is a fast-growing, evergreen desert 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 as silky needles, surrounded by two rows of small, oval-shaped leaflets numbering between 25-30. It is considered one of the most tolerant trees to harsh climatic conditions. • Flower of Parkinsonia - Fersal thorn: Its dense flowers are in yellow clusters with a red center, blooming for several months from March to September, and are among the favorite flowers of bees. • Fruit and seeds of Parkinsonia - Fersal thorn: The fruits are slender pods reaching about 15 cm in length. • Propagation season of Parkinsonia - Fersal 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, with access to sunlight or adequate lighting for the plant. • Suitable climate and soil for Parkinsonia - Fersal thorn: It is a hardy tree that tolerates temperatures above 50°C, as well as frost and sub-zero cold. Additionally, Parkinsonia withstands drought and high salinity, and can be grown in many types of soil. • How to cultivate Parkinsonia - Fersal 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. • 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 - Fersal thorn: Panama and North America. It is cultivated in Saudi Arabia and many hot and desert regions.