Parkinsonia aculeata

Jerusalem Thorn, Mexican Palo Verde, Ratama

Message of the Flower

Lightness

The Mother’s Comment

Charming, but prickly at times.

Colour

Light yellow, reddish-brown to rust

Family

Fabaceae

Person who named the flower

Carl Linnaeus

Flower Size

Small, typically around 1 inch across.

Flower Texture

Smooth

Number of Petals

Five

Floral Symmetry

Bilateral

Fragrance of Flower

Lightly fragrant

Leaf Texture

Smooth to slightly rough.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Color

Green, turning yellow in drought conditions to reduce transpiration.

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Can grow as a small tree or large shrub.

Life Cycle

Perennial

Blooming Period

Late spring to early summer.

Climate

Arid to semi-arid, tolerant of heat and drought.

Water Requirements

Low, drought-tolerant once established.

Soil Type

Adaptable to various soil types, prefers well-drained.

Temperature Ranges

Tolerant of a wide range, from very hot to mildly cold; not frost-tolerant.

Sun or Shade

Full sun.

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Generally resistant but can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.

Pollinators

Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinating insects.

Habitat

Native to the Southwestern United States, Mexico, and South America; adapted to desert and scrubland environments.

Role in the Ecosystem

Provides habitat and food for various wildlife species.

Ornamental

Valued for its distinctive green bark and yellow flowers.

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Landscaping, especially in xeriscaping and drought-resistant gardens.

Endangered Status

Not listed as endangered; considered invasive in some areas.