Neltuma juliflora, Vachellia farnesiana, and another plant called Vachellia aroma are causing some confusion. All of these species may grow in the Philippines with the Neltuma called out as growing in the Batangas and La Union regions. The Vachellia farnesiana grows throughout the Philippines and so they both grow in the same area or region. I will have to work to determine which plants I have. Consequently, I am thinking the Aromang dagat may be the coastal plant and Neltuma juliflora. Maybe the Aroma I got is farnesiana. More work to do. This plant has been reported in Luzon (Ilocos norte, Manila Bay)
Neltuma juliflora characteristics
Firstly, the Neltuma juliflora (Mesquite tree) and is considered highly invasive in the Philippines. Some of it’s identifying characteristics make it a challenge to correctly identify in the Bonsai hobby. It is a highly aggressive and invasive thorny shrub growing up to 15 meters. Brown twisted branch with thorns up to 5cm in length. These thorns can cause infections in humans.
Vachellia aroma characteristics
Secondly, the Vachellia aroma (Aroma Mesquite) is also called Huizache. This plant produces yellow puffy flowers similar to Vachellia farnesiana. One thing to set it apart is that it normally grows in dry forests and areas recently having distrurbed soil. So, like the N. juliflora (Mesquite) but this Mesquite has an aroma and flowers. Native to Mexico, Central America and South America. Bees are attracted to this plant.
Vachellia farnesiana characteristics
Finally, the Vachellia farnesiana (Sweet Acacia) is a smaller spiny tree or shrub. it gorws up to 5M in nature and blooms with golden-yellow and fragrant flowers. This is the plant used in perfum production.
Neltuma juliflora specifics
- Core Identification & Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Neltuma juliflora, formerly – Prosopis juliflora
- Common Name: Mesquite, Aroma, Algaroba, Aromang Dagat
- Family: Fabaceae
- Varietals:
- Habitat/Range: Peru, Chile, Argentina, and Paraguay, invasive to Asia
- Morphology & Characteristics
- Growth Habit: Shrub or tree up to 12 meters
- Leaves: Long in 10 to 28 pairs of feathery leaves
- Flowers: Green-Yellow 5-10cm
- Fruit/Seed: Pods are 20 – 30 cm and have 10-30 seeds
- Stem/Bark:
- Growth: Fast
- Bonsai Notes
- Sun Exposure: Full sun 6-8 hours daily. This plant can stand the afternoon sun.
- Water Use: Drought tolerant, moderate water
- Soil Mix: Limestone (anapog), Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock, Rock
- Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn). .
- Styling and Maintenance
- Pruning: Regular pruning is essential.
- Defoliation:
- Wiring: Branches can be wired year-round, but monitor the wire closely may scar if the wire “bites” in during periods of fast growth.
Gallery images
Firstly, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Secondly, we only have so many plants and my photography skills are not actually skillful. Finally, if it would help to see another angle or view, view us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.
