Common Name:

General Information

Prosopis kuntzei is a small, very spiny, deciduous tree usually growing 4 - 10 metres tall but with occasional specimens to 15 metres[]. The tree is much-branched and round-topped. The bole can be 40 - 60cm in diameter[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its timber, which is mainly used locally and is also seen as a potential substitute for ebony.
This taxon is not recorded as being threatened or in decline at present, however, there are a number of threats to the habitat, in particular logging and conversion of land for agriculture. These threats are leading to habitat loss and degradation. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia.

Habitat

Mixed, subxerophilous woods[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of subtropical to tropical regions, where it can be found at elevations up to about 2,000 metres.
Species in this genus generaly require a sunny position in a well-drained soil[]. Although found predominantly in arid areas, the plant can survive prolonged periods on flooded ground[].
This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The heartwood is bluish-black to purple; it is clearly demarcated from the very thin band of white sapwood. The wood is very, hard, very heavy and flexible. Traditionally used to make bows and spears, it is, at present , used for fence-posts because of its resistance to decay, and is lumbered for various local uses; said to yield a very valuable timber[]. An excellent wood for veneeer and for turnery[]. The wood is a possible substitute for ebony[].

Propagation

Like many species within the family Fabaceae, once they have ripened and dried the seeds of this species may benefit from scarification before sowing in order to speed up and improve germination. This can usually be done by pouring a small amount of nearly boiling water on the seeds (being careful not to cook them!) and then soaking them for 12 - 24 hours in warm water. By this time they should have imbibed moisture and swollen - if they have not, then carefully make a nick in the seedcoat (being careful not to damage the embryo) and soak for a further 12 hours before sowing[].

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