PARKINSONIA ACULEATA Linn.—Sasabani, Sharan labbi. “Jerusalem Thorn.” LEGUMINOSAE.
A small exotic tree introduced by Arabs and planted in most of the Northern towns to such an extent that it is worthy of inclusion here. It is a delicate and graceful shrub-like tree up to 25 feet high. It has a single stem branched a foot or two above ground level; in some cases there is a stem over 6 feet in length before the branches, erect, with their ends spreading out and drooping down, occur. It grows best in an open position and does not thrive in the shade, where it grows very weak and straggling, without the vivid green of trees in the open.
The Bark is bright green and smooth.
The Thorns are straight and sharp, ¼ inch long, light red in colour with thickened, fleshy green bases from which spring the leaves. The scars of fallen leaves can be seen on this thickened base.
The Leaves are bipinnate with one or two pairs of pinnae which consist of a broad, flat mid-rib some 9 inches long from which little oval leaflets under ¼ inch long spring alternately. These are sensitive and at night, or when gathered, fold inwards and lie flat on the mid-rib. The rib and leaflets are dark green and smooth.
The Flowers are in pendulous, sparse spikes amongst the leaves. Each is an inch in diameter and has 5 pale green sepals, 5 crinkly yellow petals, one of which is more prominent than the rest and forms a throat covered with small red spots. There are 10 short stamens with red anthers and a short brown pistil. The flowers are found most months of the year.
The Fruits are jointed pods, varying in length according as they contain 1-6 seeds, the longest being 6-7 inches long. They are jointed, light brown and veined, and when ripe are very light and brittle. The seeds are ⅓ inch long, black, oval, round in cross section, very hard and smooth and rattling loose in the pod. They may be found for some months in the year, particularly in February.
Uses.—Ornamental and shade providing.
