Cojoba arborea facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cojoba arborea |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cojoba
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| Species: |
arborea
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| Synonyms | |
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Mimosa arborea L. |
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The Cojoba arborea is a type of tree that belongs to the pea family, called Fabaceae. You might hear it called by many names like algarrobo, ardillo, or tamarindo. This tree grows in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central America. It can also be found south of these areas, all the way to Ecuador in South America. It usually grows in places that are not too high up, from sea level to about 1,300 meters (4,265 feet). You won't often find this tree deep inside thick forests. Instead, it prefers open areas or places where one type of forest changes into another.
Contents
About the Cojoba Tree
This tree can grow quite tall, reaching between 15 and 18 meters (about 49 to 59 feet). Its trunk can become as wide as 50 centimeters (about 20 inches).
Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit
- Leaves: The leaves grow in pairs along the stem. Each leaf has 8 to 16 smaller pairs of leaflets. These small leaflets are smooth, not jagged, and shaped like an oval. They are about 28 to 42 centimeters (11 to 16.5 inches) long. Each tiny leaflet is about 0.2 centimeters (0.08 inches) wide and 4 to 6 centimeters (1.6 to 2.4 inches) long.
- Flowers: The flowers are white and grow in clusters. Each flower is small, about 0.6 to 0.9 centimeters (0.2 to 0.35 inches) long. The stems that hold the flower clusters are about 5 to 10 centimeters (2 to 4 inches) long. These trees usually bloom, or flower, from April to June.
- Fruit: When the fruit is ripe, it forms a curved pod that is reddish-purple. These pods are quite long, about 13 to 17 centimeters (5 to 6.7 inches). Inside each pod, you will find 4 to 6 seeds. These seeds can be black or white and are shaped like an oval.
Cojoba Wood Uses
The wood of the Cojoba arborea tree is known for being strong and easy to work with. It has a clear, light brown color.
Qualities of the Wood
- Strength: The wood is heavy and sturdy.
- Workability: Even though it's heavy, it's easy for people to cut and shape.
- Stability: The wood's grain is even, but it can sometimes crack when it dries out. However, once it's dry, it stays very stable and doesn't change shape much.
- Durability: This wood is very tough and lasts a long time. It also resists damage from insects.
What the Wood is Used For
Because of its good qualities, Cojoba wood is used for many things:
- Building strong structures like houses or bridges.
- Making stakes and posts for fences.
- Creating beautiful furniture and fine carpentry.
- Flooring and stairways inside homes.
- Making plywood sheets.
- It can even be used to make paper.
- The wood is also used for making cabinets and other items.
The value of this wood tends to stay steady and often increases over time. When exported to the United States, it is sometimes called Bahamas sibucú.
Growing Cojoba Trees
Growing Cojoba trees from seeds needs careful timing.
Seed Planting and Growth
- Seed Life: The seeds don't stay good for very long after they are ready. About 80% of the seeds can still grow after 10 days of storage. But after 25 days, almost none of them will grow.
- Germination: If the seeds are fresh, about 90% of them will sprout if planted in soil that has about 30% organic material (like compost).
- Sprouting Time: Healthy seeds usually start to sprout about 22 days after you plant them.
- Soil Preference: These trees can grow well in many different types of soil. They can handle soil that is slightly acidic (pH 4.8) to slightly alkaline (pH 8.0).
- Planting: Young trees are ready to be planted in their final spot about 5 to 8 months after their seeds sprout. This is when their roots have grown strong and reached the bottom of their growing bags. It's best to plant them during the rainy season.
See also
In Spanish: Aguacillo para niños
