Parkinsonia praecox

This shrub or small tree is native to Mexico and Guatemala and from tropical South America south to Argentina. It grows in dry habitats and often develops several trunks beneath a broad crown. Its small compound leaves fall during drought, while the green bark and stems continue photosynthesis. Yellow flowers, sometimes marked reddish near the petal bases, develop along the branches.

The bark has a waxy surface that helps reduce water loss. The tree also produces a sweet, edible gum that has been used as an adhesive and in soap-making. Plants can hybridize with other Parkinsonia species; natural crosses with Parkinsonia microphylla and Parkinsonia florida have been reported. It can be propagated from seed. Photographed in the department of Santander, Colombia.