Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: Jerusalemdoring, Mexican palo verde, jelly bean tree, Jerusalem thorn, Ratama, Parkinsonia

Family: Fabaceae (Pea)

Distribution: Central America

Habitat: Forest

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

National red list: Not Evaluated

Black list: Listed NEMBA Category 1 Invasive - Must be destroyed/removed by law.

Life form: Tree

Comments: This plant has been introduced as a fodder crop and hedging plant to sub-tropical and semi-arid regions globally. It is tolerant to drought, waterlogging and saline conditions and produces copious seeds, which is spread by birds and via rivers. Although it primarily invades degraded landscapes, it has the potential to irreversibly change natural ecosystems.