This multipurpose tree comes from the Americas, but has been introduced throughout the tropics because of its many uses. It grows well in drier areas and will cope with poor or salty soils, occasional frost, low rainfall and long dry seasons. It is also known as Jerusalem thorn, Mexican palo verde or simply Parkinsonia.
It is an attractive tree to look at, with a green trunk, unusual leaves and bright yellow flowers. Parkinsonia is often grown as an ornamental tree but it has other important uses. It is short, thorny and fast growing and can quickly provide a barrier to keep livestock out (or in) or act as a windbreak. It can stabilise loose soils and protect them from erosion. It can add nitrogen to the soils and improve the soil’s fertility.
The leaves and seeds can be fed to sheep and goats, especially during the dry season. It also has some human food uses. The fruit pulp and flowers are sweet and enjoyed by children. A refreshing drink can be made from fermented fruits. Other uses include herbal medicine for digestive and other problems, fibre for paper making and fuelwood and timber.
The seeds remain viable for long periods and germinate easily after soaking in water for a few days. Cuttings from roots or shoots can also be taken. In fact it is so easy to grow that it can become a weed. Seeds are available from many sources. Here are a few:
Institut Senegalais de Recherches Agricoles, Centre National de Recherches, Laboratoire de Graines, Parc Forestier de Hann, BP 2312, Dakar, Senegal.
Forestry Research Institute of Malawi, PO Box 270, Zomba, Malawi.
Latin American Forest Tree Seed Bank, CATIE, Turrialba, Costa Rica.
India Nursery and Seeds Sales Corporation, PO Box 4314, 36/962 DDA Flats, Kalkaji, New Delhi 19, India.
by Julia Ambrose