Parkinsonia aculeata

FAMILY: Cercidium

Maintenance: Low maintenance requirements if used in transitional areas. Prune when young to establish desired branch formation and to reduce problems with brittle wood and limb failure in high winds. May be pruned as a standard. Subject to mechanical damage by strimmers and mowers, particularly when young. Does not accept coppicing. Fairly constant leaf, seed and pod clean up when used in more formal settings. Benefits from a reapplication of the mulch together with a slow release 20.10.5 NPK with trace elements annually in spring. Wash leaves occasionally to remove wind blown sand and dust, and to help reduce susceptibility to mites.