Tamarugo tree - Prosopis tamarugo

Description and Uses

Prosopis tamarugo (Tamarugo tree) is a tropical tree from Andes. It is mainly grown for its fodder crops (medium shelflife), but also

can be produced. The crop is harvested by pruning. It starts flowering after 3 - 5 years.

. Medical uses include;

The bark contains - n/a - ( - ). Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is fast, its energetic value is 4600 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is fast; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 30 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Prosopis tamarugo has a lifespan of 400 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 18 meters tall. It is fast growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Prosopis tamarugo has a shallow 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 bees. Prosopis tamarugo is deciduous in winter and a bit allelopathic and has thorns.

Prosopis tamarugo thrives in an altitude of 1000 to 1500 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is -12°C and optimally between 10 - 25°C. The optimal rainfall is 250 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 50 - 400 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 9.0 in a soil texture of loam. To salt it is 4 to wind and to fire intolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and

diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 6 months. There are approximative 23000 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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