American ironwood mesquite - Prosopis juliflora

Description and Uses

Prosopis juliflora (American ironwood mesquite) is a tropical tree from Patagonia. It is mainly grown for its nut crops (very long shelflife), but also Other uses include; alcohol, apiculture, fertilization, fruit, fuel, gum resin, nut, ornamental, tannin and timber can be produced. The crop is harvested by hand picking. It starts flowering after 2 - 3 years. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 4800 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is fast; it is a very suitable species for firewood prodution. After 20 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Prosopis juliflora has a lifespan of 90 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 11 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Prosopis juliflora has a deep root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is able to fix nitrogen with Brucellaceae bacteria. The tree`s flower-morphology is bi-sexual and is pollinated by insects. Prosopis juliflora is evergreen and a bit allelopathic and has thorns.

Prosopis juliflora thrives in an altitude of 0 to 1500 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is -6°C and optimally between 14 - 34°C. The optimal rainfall is 650 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 50 - 1200 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 9.0 in a soil texture of sand. To salt it is 4 to wind and to fire a bit tolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 3 months. There are approximative 30000 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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