Guamuchil tree (Pithecellobium dulce)

If in the Old Continent we have many and very interesting trees, on the other side of the pond they are not far behind. Now, it is also true that when you really like these types of plants, you usually admire all the species. But of course, in the world there are many different climates, and if you live in a rather warm area, you may be interested, for example, the guamuchil tree.

It has a fairly fast growth rate, and produces a wide canopy under which you can protect yourself from direct sun. In addition, its fruits are edible. Would you like to meet him?

Origin and characteristics

Our protagonist is an evergreen and thorny tree native to Mexico, Central and South America whose scientific name is Pithecellobium dulce. It is popularly known as gallinero, finzán, chiminango, gina, payandé, guamuchil tree or simply guamúchil. It grows to a height between 5 and 22 meters in height, and has a short trunk 30 to 75cm in diameter, with smooth light gray bark.

The branches are thin and languid, and are covered by bipinate compound leaves with four oblong leaflets. The flowers are grouped in panicle-shaped inflorescences 5 to 30cm long, and are lightly scented. The fruit is a thin pod up to 20cm long by 10-15mm wide, and inside there are 7-12mm long seeds, flattened ovoid, dark in color. These fruits are edible, and also medicinal since they have astringent and antiparasitic properties.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a specimen of a guamuchil tree, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

Location: outside, in full sun.
Land:
- Pot: universal growing substrate, but it is a plant that cannot be in a container for many years.
- Garden: grows in all types of soils, although it prefers those with good drainage.
Watering: 2-3 times a week in summer, and every 4-5 days the rest of the year.
Subscriber: in spring and summer with organic fertilizers, once a month.
Multiplication: by seeds in spring.
Rusticity: withstands cold and weak frosts down to -1ºC.