About Gleditsia amorphoides (Griseb.) Taub.
Gleditsia amorphoides, commonly known as Espina de Corona Cristi, is a deciduous tree species belonging to the subfamily Caesalpinioideae of the plant family Fabaceae. It is native to South America. Mature trees reach heights between 10 and 20 meters, and grow a somewhat small, dense, rounded crown. The straight trunk (bole) has a diameter of 30 to 60 cm, and is heavily covered with many long, branching spines. These spines typically measure more than 10 cm in length, and can grow as long as 40 cm (16 inches).
This tree is harvested from wild natural habitats for two main products: its lumber, and a useful gum that it produces. The gum is used locally, and is also harvested commercially for use in the food industry. Gleditsia amorphoides is sometimes intentionally grown to function as a live fence and boundary marker.
