Parkinsonia microphylla

Parkinsonia microphylla, also known as Yellow Paloverde, is a species of flowering plant in the Fabaceae family. It is native to the Sonoran Desert in the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico.

Description

Parkinsonia microphylla is a small tree or large shrub that typically grows to a height of 5–7.6 meters (16–25 ft). It has a distinctive green bark and small leaves, which are reduced to tiny leaflets to conserve water. The plant is deciduous, shedding its leaves during dry periods. The flowers are yellow and the fruit is a legume.

Distribution and habitat

Parkinsonia microphylla is found in the Sonoran Desert, which spans parts of the Southwestern United States and Northwestern Mexico. It is particularly common in the Colorado Desert of California and the Arizona Upland subdivision of the Sonoran Desert. The plant is adapted to hot, arid conditions and is often found on rocky slopes and sandy washes.

Ecology

Parkinsonia microphylla plays a key role in its ecosystem. It provides food and shelter for a variety of wildlife, including birds, mammals, and insects. The plant is also a host for the larvae of the Lepidoptera species Urbanus proteus.

Uses

The indigenous peoples of the Sonoran Desert used Parkinsonia microphylla for various purposes. The wood was used for fuel and the seeds were ground into a flour for making bread. The plant was also used in traditional medicine.

Conservation

While Parkinsonia microphylla is not currently considered threatened, its habitat is under pressure from urban development, agriculture, and climate change. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting and restoring its habitat.

See also

• Parkinsonia
• Sonoran Desert