Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
spinosa
ID:
184290

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Molina) Britton & Rose

Source:
ildis

Year:
1930

Citation Micro:
N.L.Britton & al. (eds.), N. Amer. Fl.23: 320 (1930)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000183619

Common Names

  • Tara spinosa
  • Spiny Tara
  • Spiny Legume Tree

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Synonyms

  • Caesalpinia mucronata Willd. [unknown]
  • Coulteria tinctoria (Molina) Kunth [unknown]
  • Caesalpinia tara Ruiz & Pav. [unknown]
  • Caesalpinia tinctoria DC. [unknown]
  • Poinciana spinosa Molina [unknown]
  • Caesalpinia spinosa (Molina) Kuntze [unknown]
  • Caesalpinia pectinata Cav. [unknown]
  • Caesalpinia tinctoria Benth. ex Taub. [illegitimate]
  • Tara tinctoria Molina [unknown]
  • Poinciana tara Ruiz & Pav. ex DC. [unknown]
  • Poinciana mucronata (Willd.) Poir. [unknown]
  • Caesalpinia horrida (Kunth) Spreng. [unknown]
  • Coulteria chilensis DC. [unknown]
  • Tara tinctoria horrida (Kunth) Pittier [unknown]
  • Coulteria horrida Kunth [unknown]
  • Caesalpinia tinctoria horrida (Kunth) Pittier [unknown]

Description

Tara spinosa (also called Spiny Tara, among many other common names) is a shrub native to Central and South America. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 meters and has a woody stem. It is found in tropical and subtropical regions in moist forests, often near rivers and streams.

Uses & Benefits

Tara spinosa is used as a windbreak, for erosion control, and as a source of firewood and timber. It is also used as a medicinal plant and as a source of food for livestock.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Tara spinosa is a small, yellow, five-petaled flower. The seed is a small, dark brown, oblong seed. The seedlings are small, dark green, and have a single pair of leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Tara spinosa is a small, evergreen shrub native to Central and South America. It is easy to propagate from seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate light frost.

Where to Find Tara spinosa

Tara spinosa can be found in Central and South America, including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil.

Tara spinosa FAQ

What is the natural habitat of Tara spinosa?

Tara spinosa is native to Central America.

What type of soil does Tara spinosa prefer?

Tara spinosa prefers well-drained, sandy soils.

How often should Tara spinosa be watered?

Tara spinosa should be watered regularly, but not too often.

Species in the Tara genus

Species in the Fabaceae family

References

Nathaniel Lord Britton (1859-1934): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Britton' in the authors string.
Joseph Nelson Rose (1862-1928): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Rose' in the authors string.
Giovanni Juan Ignazio Molina (1740-1829): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Molina' in the authors string.