Retama
Mexican Paloverde, Horse Bean
Parkinsonia aculeata L.
Whole plant
Family : Fabaceae
Longevity : Perennial
Origin : Introduced
Season : Warm
Retama is a shrub with smooth bark and droopy leaves. It approaches a round top ten to fifteen feet in height. It lies in wet, disturbed, sandy or limestone areas of the South Texas Plains and the Edwards Plateau. It flowers after rains during the summer. Retama is used by birds, deer, small mammals and insects as a food source and songbirds find a place to nest under its cover. Food and medicinal uses include: flour from seeds and a diabetes and fever regimen through tea. Other uses for Retama: ornamental and landscape pieces as it needs little maintenance.
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