Common Name: Algarrobo de las Salinas

General Information

Prosopis pugionata is a very spiny, deciduous tree growing 2 - 8 metres tall. The bole is around a quarter the total height of the tree[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. Although we have no further information, it is very likely that this plant is utilized as a source of materials in similar ways to several other closely related species.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - central Argentina (Catamarca. Córdoba, La Rioja)

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	6.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Prosopis pugionata is native to the arid and semi-arid climate of Argentina around 30°c south, where the climate can be very hot in the summer but with some winter frosts.
Species in this genus generaly require a suny position in a well-drained soil[].
This species is closely related to Prosopis flexuosa DC, which has short spines and broader leaflets; Prosopis alpataco Philippi, with shrubby habit and underground branching; and Prosopis horrida Kunth, with bi- or trijugate leaves and broad leaflets[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria; these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

Seedpods[]. The seedpod is 90 - 115mm long and 8 - 10mm wide[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but the wood of most members of this genus is widely used locally for fence posts, fuel etc[].

Propagation

Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have ripened and dried the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[].