Common Name:
Palo Verde
A genus of about 12 species of shrubs and small trees with zigzag stems and greenish bark. Leaves are alternate, compound, generally bipinnate, 1-6 pairs of opposing leaflets. Flowers in axillary clusters, have reflexed sepals, yellow or cream white petals, and 10 stamens. Fruit linear or oblong, flattened or cylindrical. Native to southern U.S., Mexico, Central America, South America, and Africa.
Parkinsonia: after for John Parkinson, early 17th century English herbalist.
Parkinsonia microphyllum is now considered the accepted name and Cercidium microphyllum a synonym.
Pronunciation:
PAR-kin-son-EE-a
Family:
Fabaceae