Strombocarpa tamarugo, commonly known as the tamarugo, is a thorny evergreen [1] species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae, subfamilia Mimosoideae. 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 it is thought to obtain some water from dew. Studies indicate it is a phreatophyte; having deep roots that tap into ground water supplies. It also participates in hydraulic redistribution moving water from deeper levels to the upper and also reversing the process in times of severe drought.
From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Is it poisonous?
We have no record of Tamarugo being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Strombocarpa palmeri
- Strombocarpa ferox
- Neltuma affinis
- Neltuma laevigata
- Neltuma flexuosa
- Neltuma juliflora
Classification
- Kingdom
- Plantae
- Phylum
- Tracheophyta
- Class
- Magnoliopsida
- Order
- Fabales
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Genus
- Strombocarpa
- Species
- Strombocarpa tamarugo
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