Mesquite

Mesquite trees (genus Prosopis)found inUnited States from Central Texassoutheastern Californiafrom southwestern UtahMexico. These evergreen trees generally reachheight69 meters (2030 ft). They have narrow, bipinnately compound leaves 57.5 cm (23 inches)whichsharply pointed.

Mesquitean extremely hardy, drought-tolerant plant. Many people, especially ranchers, considertreenuisance becausecompetesrangeland grassesmoisture. Eradicating mesquitedifficult. The tree can regenerate frompieceroot left inground. Some herbicidesnot effective against mesquite,others do not getcomplete kill.

New growthmesquite has needle-sharp thorns up7.5 cm (3 in) long. The spinestough enoughpenetratesoft solestennis shoes or similar footwear,can easily puncture tires.

Ongood side, mesquite trees grow fastfurnish shade where other trees will not grow. The woodhard, allowing itbe usedfurniture, implements,firewood asburns slowly. When usedbarbecue,smoke fromwood addsdistinct flavor tomeat. The bean pods ofmesquite can be driedground into flour or usedmake jelly or even wine.

Some common speciesMesquiteHoney Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis velutina), Creeping Mesquite (Prosopis strombulifera)Screwbean Mesquite (Prosopis pubescens).