Spiny Holdback, Tara

Caesalpinia spinosa

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Basic Information

Family: Fabaceae

Genus: caesalpinia

Plant ID (slug): caesalpinia-spinosa

Numeric ID: 391

USDA Hardiness: 9-11

Ratings

Edible Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Medicinal Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Other Uses Rating: ★★★★☆

Physical Characteristics

Caesalpinia spinosa is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant is not wind tolerant.

Distribution

S. America - Argentina, northern Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Seed Edible Uses: Gum The endosperm of the seed (22% of the total seed weight) yields a gum of commercial value. It is a white to yellowish powder and consists chiefly of galactomannan-type polysaccharides. The gum is used as a thickening agent and stabilizer in the food industry[ 303 ].

Medicinal Uses

Febrifuge Ophthalmic The powder contained within the seedpods is used as an eyewash. An infusions of the pods is used in Peru for inflamed tonsils or washing wounds; it is also used for fevers, colds and stomach aches.

Known Hazards

The high tannin content of the pods may be lethal if consumed in large quantities by animals[ 303 ].

Detailed Information

Additional Information

Title: Caesalpinia spinosa Spiny Holdback, Tara PFAF Plant Database

Meta Description: Caesalpinia spinosa is an evergreen Tree growing to 6 m (19ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant is not wind tolerant.