Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Prosopis chilensis or Chilean mesquite

The genus Prosopis, family Fabaceae, comprises 45 species of trees and shrubs native to tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, Africa and America. Some species are: Prosopis chilensis, Prosopis africana, Prosopis alba, Prosopis glandulosa, Prosopis cineraria, Prosopis nigra.

Common names: Chilean mesquite, Chilean algarrobo. This species is native to Chile.

They are semi-deciduous trees (they lose leaves if it is very cold) with zigzagging branches, a rounded crown and long thorns that reach 12 meters (39.37 feet) in height. They have bipinnate leaves with thin and elongated light green leaflets. The showy yellowish cylindrical inflorescences contain numerous small flowers. The fruits have been consumed by indigenous peoples for thousands of years and have medicinal properties.

These easy-to-grow plants are used in streets and public parks and in small and medium gardens as isolated specimens and to form windbreaks. They are ideal for Mediterranean coastal gardens.

Prosopis chilensis can grow in full sun or light shade exposure. In winter they can lose the leaves; it's better not to expose them to frost.

They can grow in any well-drained soil: poor, sandy, stony, and rocky.

Water occasionally throughout the year always waiting for the substrate to have completely dried.

They do not need fertilizers.

Prune after flowering to maintain a compact appearance and control growth.

These trees are resistant to pests and diseases.

They are easily propagated from seeds sown in spring or late winter.

Images of the tree Prosopis chilensis or Chilean mesquite