Chilean mesquite - Prosopis chilensis

Description and Uses

Prosopis chilensis (Chilean mesquite) is a tropical tree from Andes. It is mainly grown for its fuel crops (long shelflife), but also

can be produced. The crop is harvested by total removing. It starts flowering after 3 - 6 years.

. Medical uses include;

The bark contains - n/a - ( - ). Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is very fast, its energetic value is 4900 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is fast; it is a very suitable species for firewood prodution. After 15 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Prosopis chilensis has a lifespan of 90 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 12 meters tall. It is very fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Prosopis chilensis has a shallow root-system and forms symbiotic relations

(endo-mycorrhiza). It is able to fix nitrogen with Brucellaceae bacteria. Prosopis chilensis is deciduous in dry season and allelopathic and has thorns.

Prosopis chilensis thrives in an altitude of 340 to 1230 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is -8°C and optimally between 7 - 45°C. The optimal rainfall is 550 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 350 - 400 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 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. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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