Parkinsonia aculeata is a species of perennial flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae.

The branches grow double or triple sharp spines 7–12 mm (0.28–0.47 in) long at the axils of the leaves.

The flowers are yellow- orange and fragrant, 20 mm (0.79 in) in diameter, growing from a long slender stalk in groups of eight to ten.

They have five sepals and five petals, four of them clearer and rhomboid ovate, the fifth elongated, with a warmer yellow and purple spots at the base.

It is also a major problem in parts of tropical Africa, Hawaii, and other Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

It forms dense thickets, preventing access for humans, native animals and livestock to waterways.

[4][5][6] Parkinsonia aculeata has a high tolerance to drought, simply attaining shorter stature.