| Prosopis tamarugo | |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Fabales |
| Family: | Fabaceae |
| Genus: | Prosopis |
| Species: | P. tamarugo |
| Binomial name | |
| Prosopis tamarugo Phil. |
|
Prosopis tamarugo, commonly known as the Tamarugo, is a species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae. It is only found in northern Chile, particularly in the Pampa del Tamarugal, some 70 km (43 mi) east of the city of Iquique. This bushy tree apparently grows without the benefit of rainfall, and obtains some water from dew. Scattered stands of the trees have been cut down for firewood. The trees grow on saline soils that do not allow for other trees. The species is a valuable source of charcoal and lumber and the leaves and fruits are also food for goats. It has been planted in Spain[2].
(Spanish)"Prosopis tamarugo". Ornamental trees in Spain. http://www.arbolesornamentales.com/Prosopistamarugo.htm. Retrieved 2010-03-30.