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Caesalpinia
cacalaco (Cascalote, Mexican
Bushbird) is a more recent addition to the desert landscape
palette. It is characterized by sulphur flowers that appear in fall
and winter, curved, rose-like thorns along the stems, semi-evergreen
and hardy to 25 degrees. Flowers clusters appear at branch terminals
and can be damaged by freezing temperatures. Foliage is fairly dense
and dark green, contrasting sharply with yellow flowers. Stems are
dark brown that thicken over time giving maturing specimens a vase
shaped, graceful small tree form 10' to 15' tall and wide. It can
also be maintained in shrub form by seasonal pruning.
Of
the more than 70
tropical and
semi-tropical species of
Caesalpinia, four
(Caesalpinia cacalaco,
C. gilliesii, C.
mexicana and C.
pulcherrima) are well
adapted to landscapes in
the desert southwest.
The genus takes its name
from Andreas Caesalpinia
who was the chief
physician to Pope
Clement VII. These four
species have in common
spectacular flower
displays, are adaptable
to a variety of
landscape uses from a
mounding, rounded shrub
to a small patio tree.
Of
the Caesalpinia species,
C. cacalaco and C.
mexicana are most
adaptable to being
trained into patio tree
form. In most landscapes
they are used as accent,
background plantings, in
massings (to amplify the
effects of the seasonal
flowers) and as a border
or streetscape planting.
Hummingbirds and
butterflies visit the
blooms. They are all
largely free of disease
and insect pests and can
subsist on limited
irrigation. All grow
best in full sun in well
drained soils with
moderate application of
fertilizer. They can
adapt to lawn and arid
garden plantings.
Optimum flowering is
achieved with a
combination of regular
irrigation and
fertilization.
Cultural Practices:
Foster the development
of a more dispersed root
system and reduce the
risk of wind throw by
arranging irrigation
emitters at varying
distances from the trunk
to encourage roots to
"seek out" water and
nutrients. Irrigation
emitter arrangement
along with other
information on
irrigations practices
for desert trees can be
found at
Irrigation Practices for
Desert Trees.
Prune as needed to
reinforce the structure
and form of the tree.
Periodic thinning is the
most desirable method of
pruning. Avoid hedging
or heading back desert
species, as this will
only stimulate excessive
branching. Do not remove
more than 30% of the
canopy during the summer
as this can lead to
sunburn injuries that
can later be invaded by
wood boring insects.
Always use clean, sharp
tools that are cleaned
regularly in a 10%
solution of bleach. For
detail pruning guide see
Pruning Desert Trees.
Periodically
insect pests can be a
problem on some desert
trees. On young trees,
insect infestation can
slow typical seasonal
growth. Inspect trees
during the growing
season for common garden
sucking insects such as
aphids, thrip,
whiteflies or psyllids.
During dry months, (May
and June) in dusty
conditions, spider mites
can appear. Monitor for
infestation and apply
controls as needed.
Spray applications of
water or water and Safer
Soap give short-term
control (3 to 7 days)
for small insect
population. For heavy
infestation or longer
control use federally
registered insecticides.
A contact insecticide
application will kill
existing adults. An
application with a
systemic soil drench
will provide 8 to 12
weeks control for any
post application insect
hatchings or migration
of insects. Before using
pesticide for the first
time or on new plants or
cultivar, treat a few
plants and check for
phytotoxicty.
Always read label and
follow label instruction
before using pesticides.
For pesticide control
recommendations contact
a
licensed pest control
advisor.
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