Caesalpinia Species, Spiny Holdback, Tara

This beautiful tree/shrub grows in Chile from the Atacama Desert to the Metropolitan Region, has neither soil nor water requirements and ...Read Morecan reach a height of 5m. Young plants are spiny, hence its botanical name.

The flowers, as well as the ripe seed-pods that remain a long time on the tree, are very attractive and so is the new reddish spring growth.

Propagation from seeds: from Autumn to Spring in a mix of 1 portion sharp river sand, 1 portion compost and 1/2 portion regular garden soil. Cover this mix with a layer of sharp river sand, distribute the seeds and cover with another layer of sharp river sand. This procedure can be done in a sowing-pan or in individual pots. Seedlings can be transplanted when besides the cotyledons they have two true leaves.

Growth is quite rapid: 50cm on the first year, 2m on the third year. Taras start blooming on the fourth year.

Appropriate for Xeriscaping.