Texas Ebony Desert Tree 20 Seeds Pithecellobium USA Company

Pithecellobium flexicaule is a species of flowering tree in the Fabaceae family, commonly known as the Texas ebony or black-bead tree. This evergreen tree is native to Mexico and parts of Central America. It is also cultivated in some regions for its attractive appearance and hard, dense wood.
Here are some key characteristics of Pithecellobium flexicaule:
Appearance: The Texas ebony is a medium to large-sized tree, typically reaching a height of 20 to 40 feet (6 to 12 meters) and occasionally growing up to 50 feet (15 meters) tall. The crown is often broad and rounded, providing ample shade beneath the tree.
Leaves: The leaves of P. flexicaule are dark green, glossy, and pinnate (feather-like). Each leaf consists of several pairs of leaflets, which are oval-shaped and arranged opposite each other along the leaf stem. The leaves can be up to 4 inches (10 cm) long.
Flowers: The tree produces small, creamy white to pale yellow flowers that are densely clustered in spherical inflorescences. These blooms are fragrant and attract various pollinators.
Fruits: After the flowers are pollinated, they develop into seed pods that are black or dark brown when ripe. These pods contain hard, black seeds, which resemble beads, hence the common name "black-bead tree."
Distribution: Pithecellobium flexicaule is native to regions of Mexico, including the states of Sonora, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, Oaxaca, and Chiapas. It is also found in parts of Central America.
Habitat: This species prefers tropical and subtropical climates and can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous and evergreen forests, coastal regions, and disturbed areas.
Uses: Texas ebony is often cultivated as an ornamental tree in gardens and parks due to its attractive foliage and fragrant flowers. The hard, dense wood of the tree makes it valuable for various woodworking projects.

Growing Instructions

Scarify the Seeds:
Nick or sand the hard seed coat to allow water to penetrate the seeds. You can use sandpaper, a nail file, or an emery board to gently scratch the surface of the seed coat. Be careful not to damage the seed itself.
Soak the Seeds:
After scarification, place the seeds in a container and soak them in water for several hours. This will help to further soften the seed coat and encourage germination.
Prepare the Potting Mix:
Create a well-draining potting mix by combining equal parts of potting soil and sand, perlite, or vermiculite. Mix the components thoroughly to ensure good aeration and drainage.
Planting the Seeds:
Fill a pot with the prepared potting mix and water it until the mixture is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Place the scarified seeds on the surface of the soil in the pot. Ensure there is some spacing between the seeds to allow enough room for growth.
Cover the Seeds:
Sprinkle a thin layer of the potting mix over the seeds to cover them. The layer should be just enough to bury the seeds slightly and promote proper germination.
Watering:
Gently water the seeds again after covering them with the thin layer of soil. Keep the soil consistently moist throughout the germination process, but avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to rot.
Placement and Sunlight:
Find a suitable location for the pots where they can receive ample sunlight. Jerusalem Thorn plants prefer warm temperatures and thrive in full sun to part shade conditions.
Germination and Transplanting:
With proper care, the seeds should begin to germinate within a few weeks. As the seedlings grow to a few inches in height, they can be transplanted into larger containers or directly into the ground, depending on the season and climate.