Tamarugo (Prosopis tamarugo)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Prosopis tamarugo is a very drought and salt tolerant tree. It participates in hydraulic redistribution moving water from deeper levels to the upper and also reversing the process in times of severe drought. Often found in areas where there is no rain for years at a time; however, at night there is a high relative humidity and the trees absorb moisture through the leaves. The trees will grow on saline soils that do not allow for other trees.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

The pods can be leached and used for food. — The pods can be leached and used for food.

Habitat & North American Range

Arid salt flats, sometimes with salt incrustation of 10 - 60cm thickness at the surface and the water table at a depth of 20 metres. (Zone 10)