Parkinsonia aculeata, commonly known as the Mexican palo verde, has a photosynthetic trunk allowing it to manufacture sugars even after its deciduous leaves have fallen. A native of the Sonoran desert, this tree is a major invasive species in other parts of the world, including Australia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. The genus Parkinsonia, which contains Parkinsonia aculeata, takes its name from John Parkinson, a famous botanist of the 16th century known for his work, Theatrum Botanicum, which was one of the most complete botanical works of its time.
