Pau Carvão Mesquite Iron tree
Prosopis africana
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Pl. 7DD0 — Prosopis africana
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IOverview
Overview
Pau Carvão Mesquite Iron tree, scientifically known as Prosopis africana, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to several West African and Central African countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Togo, and Uganda. This plant thrives in full sun and prefers moist soil that is light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It can grow up to 10 meters tall and is known for its edible parts, particularly the seeds, which are utilized by local communities.
Quick answers
What is Pau Carvão Mesquite Iron tree?
Pau Carvão Mesquite Iron tree, scientifically known as Prosopis africana, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to several West African and Central African countries including Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Congo, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pau Carvão Mesquite Iron tree thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 10-12 and grows to a height of 10 meters. Propagate through seeds for successful growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
10-12
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Pau Carvão Mesquite Iron tree for the first time
8steps
Start with planting Pau Carvão Mesquite Iron tree in a sunny spot and follow these beginner-friendly steps.
- 1
What you'll need
A young plant or seed, a pot if container gardening, good quality soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil. For containers, choose one that is at least 30 cm wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant a young plant carefully or sow seeds directly in the ground after the last frost.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in partial shade if direct sun is too harsh.
- 6
Ongoing care
Ensure full sun exposure, water when dry, and mulch around the base for moisture retention.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Focus on pruning to maintain shape. Prune in late winter before new growth starts.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Seed
Edible uses: The seeds of the Pau Carvão Mesquite Iron tree (Prosopis africana) are edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. They are often prepared by boiling to make a nutritious meal. Skip
Other uses:Animal feed
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 0 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 22 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Saudi Arabia
Africa18 regions
native (18)BeninBurkina FasoCameroonChadCôte d'IvoireGambiaGhanaGuineaGuinea-BissauMaliMauritaniaNigerNigeriaSenegalSierra LeoneSudanTogoUganda
Broader regions
native:Central African Repu, Congo, Zaïre
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 7dd0259a-be14-45e7-b171-e6865431f8bc
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