Quick facts
| Arabic name | الباركنسونيا (شوك القدس) |
|---|---|
| English name | Jerusalem Thorn (Parkinsonia) |
| Scientific name | Parkinsonia aculeata |
| Family | Pea family (Fabaceae) |
| Plant type | Small thorny tree |
| Height | 3 to 8 m |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
Best time to plant
Not recommended for planting
Harvest
Not harvested
Times are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
Green drooping thorny branches, long fine feathery leaves, yellow flowers with an orange spot and thin pods.
Where it grows
Planted on streets and parks, and spread into valleys in Riyadh, Al-Qassim, Eastern Province, Madinah, Hail and Najran.
Soil
Handles poor and salty soil.
Water and irrigation
Needs little water.
Climate and light
Handles heat and drought.
Propagation
By seed.
Benefits and uses
- Handles drought and salt
- Pretty flowers
- Grows fast
- Attracts bees
Drawbacks
- Invasive and crowds out native plants in valleys
- Harmful thorns
- Fairly short-lived
Important notes
Not recommended. Replace it with native trees like Sidr and Talh.
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources: