New Mexico Locust
Robinia neomexicana

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5-10 m tall. It has thorns. They are longer than with black locust. The leaves are 10-15 cm long. There are 7-15 leaflets along the stalk. The leaves have a pair of sharp thorns at their base. The flowers are in clusters and are rose pink. They are in groups 5-10 cm long near the ends of the branches. The fruit are bean like pods. They are brown and have bristles on them.

There are about 20 Robinia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In California it grows between 1,500-2,600 m above sea level. Hobart Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Mexico, North America, USA, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The flowers are eaten raw. They are also boiled and dried and stored for later use. The pods are eaten raw. The pods are also cooked and stored. Caution:

Edible parts

Flowers, seeds, seeds pod

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds. The seeds should be soaked for 48 hours in warm water.

Its other names

Local names

Desert locust

Synonyms

Robinia coloradensis Dode; Robinia neomexicana var. albiflora Kusche; Robinia neomexicana var. luxurians Dieck; Robinia neomexicana var. subvelutina (Rydb.) Kearny & Peebles; Robinia rusbyo Wooton & Standl.; Robinia subvelutina Rydb.;