Mesquite Totally Explained

Mesquite (from Nahuatl mizquitl) is a leguminous plant of the Prosopis genus found in Northern Mexico and the United States from the U.S.-Mexico border in Texas up to southwestern Kansas and from southeastern California and southwestern Utah to the southern limits of the Sonoran desert. Mesquite trees are also found in the Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico.

Description

These deciduous trees generally reach a height of 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 ft), although in most of their range they're shrub size. They have narrow, bipinnately compound leaves 50 to 75 mm (2 to 3 inches) long, of which the pinnules are sharply pointed. Twigs have a characteristic zig-zag form. Some common species of Mesquite are Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis velutina), Creeping Mesquite (Prosopis strombulifera) and Screwbean Mesquite (Prosopis pubescens).
Mesquite is an extremely hardy, drought-tolerant plant because it can draw water from the water table through its long taproot (recorded at up to 190 ft in depth). However, it can also use water in the upper part of the ground, depending upon availability. The tree can easily and rapidly switch from utilizing one water source to the other. However, salt cedar has had a greater effect on water consumption, in some cases even displacing existing mesquite. Eradicating mesquite is difficult because the plant's bud regeneration zone can extend down to 6 inches (150 mm) below ground level. The tree can regenerate from a piece of root left in the soil.

Food

The bean pods of the mesquite can be dried and ground into flour, adding a sweet, nutty taste to breads, or used to make jelly or wine.

Traditional Medicine

Mesquite leaves were once used medicinally; water infused with the leaves can be used as eye drops.

Wood

Mesquite wood is hard, allowing it to be used for furniture and implements. Wood from the Prosopis juliflora and Prosopis glandulosa is used for decorative woodworking and woodturning. It is highly desirable due to its dimensional stability. The hard, dense lumber is also sold as Texas Ironwood.
As firewood, mesquite burns slowly. When used to barbecue, the smoke from the wood adds a distinct flavor to the food.

As an introduced species

The species Prosopis pallida was introduced to Hawaii in 1828, and is now very common in the drier coastal parts of the islands called the Kiawe tree which is a prime source of monofloral honey production.
Mesquite has also been introduced to parts of Africa, Asia and Australia, and is considered by the World Conservation Union as one of the world's most problematic invasive species.

Species

Prosopis glandulosa (Honey mesquite)
Prosopis pallida
Prosopis pubescens (Screwbean mesquite)
Prosopis reptans (Tornillo)
Prosopis strombulifera (Creeping mesquite)
Prosopis velutina (Velvet mesquite)

External results

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