Chilean Mesquite Tree Care
Chilean mesquite tree is native to Chile's lower altitudes and suitable for arid zones and poor soils. The plant is useful as a shade tree with its moderate height of 25 to 30 feet and matching spread. It is fast growing and is used in habitat as forage for cattle who's dexterous tongues can avoid the tree's sharp spines. Chilean mesquite tree is a drought tolerant plant useful for water conservation zones. Mesquite tree is an attractive ornamental plant that grows well in the xeriscape garden. Does this Spark an idea?
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Description
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The mesquite tree has delicate leaved branches with alternate leaflets in pairs along the entire stem. The effect is ferny and often interspersed with thorns. The tree bears ivory white 2- to 3-inch-long catkins that rain down from its graceful branches. The flowers become fruits that may be up to 5 inches long and begin as thick tan pods and dry to light brown and husk-like. The plant may have several trunks that begin with smooth bark that becomes rough and darker with age.
Situation
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In its habitat, Chilean mesquite tree is found in rocky scrub and gravel foothills. The tree thrives in full sun and reflected heat. Plant it near a rockery or patio where accumulated sunshine creates a hot micro-climate. They do not tolerate overly wet soil which can weaken the wood and sites with high winds. Chilean mesquite tree is adapted to almost any type of soil as long as there is adequate drainage. The wide spread makes it unsuitable for sidewalks and boulevards without maintenance pruning.
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Planting Chilean Mesquite Tree
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You need a 1-foot deep by 1-foot wide hole and fill it with water to check drainage. It should drain in a few hours or you will need to incorporate grit into the soil to allow the water to leach. Cut the tree out of its nursery pot to reduce damaging the roots. The tree is planted in a hole just large enough to fit the root ball. To avoid damage to the trunk, mesquite tree is planted just as deep as it was in the nursery pot. After the hole has been filled in again the plant benefits from 5 to 6 inches of mulch or compost around the tree.
Cultivation of Chilean Mesquite Tree
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This plant can tolerate little to no water but needs to be kept moist during establishment. After the tree is established it requires deep watering with periods of drying out. The plant is native to areas where drought can last three to five months. The tree needs to be covered with burlap when temperatures drop below freezing to protect the leaves. Leaf drop will occur when the temperature goes below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. Balanced fertilizer, applied according to the instructions for the tree size, will encourage blooms and new growth. It is incorporated into soil in spring. A new layer of mulch added in fall helps protect the roots from cold and winter drought. The Chilean mesquite tree has few pests or disease and will perform well in the home landscape as long as it receives sun and adequate drainage.
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References
- Photo Credit mesquite park image by Wendi Evans from Fotolia.com
