Plant profile: Jerusalem thorn (Parkinsonia aculeata)

Julio Figueroa for The National

The Parkinsonia aculeata, which resists drought and salt, has attractive blooms

The Parkinsonia aculeata – or Jerusalem thorn – is a spiny shrub or small tree named in honour of the English botanist John Parkinson. Drought- and salt-tolerant, the Parkinsonia flourishes in poor soils and has attractive, fragrant flowers. The plant can grow from two to eight metres high, may have single or multiple stems and produces yellow-orange flowers.

The Parkensonia can be propagated from seeds, which should be planted directly into the garden, in full sun. While the Parkensonia will add colour to any drab garden, it’s also suitable for xeriscaping – landscaping and gardening that reduces or eliminates the need for supplemental water for irrigation – making it suitable for the UAE.

Although it’s attractive and easy to maintain, in many countries, such as Australia, this hearty plant has been dubbed an invasive species.

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