DAY 144 (27 AUGUST) – Jerusalem thorn (Parkinsonia aculeata) (Jerez, Spain)
Arriving back in Spain today, I noticed this wispy tree bordering the airport car park. Spain does wisps better than the UK. Perhaps it’s a hot climate feature. But most remarkable was its bright green trunk. And weird, too, were its pendulous stalks.
The multinational Jerusalem thorn (also known as Barbados flower fence and Mexican palo verde) is described in Australia as a “Weed of National Significance”. Which is almost like calling a human being ‘a prize wally’. Apparently the Aussies aren’t keen because the trees bunch together forming thickets that prevent native animals and livestock from accessing watering holes.
I like it, whatever they say.
