mesquite
(Prosopis juliflora)
This species is Introduced in the United States
Appearance
Prosopis juliflora is a perennial shrub or small tree that can grow to 39.4 ft. (12 m) tall.
Foliage
Leaves are compound, bright green in color, 0.2 to 0.4 in. (5-10 mm) long, linear to oblong, glabrous, and usually hairy with a rounded apex.
Flowers
Flowers are perfect, greenish to yellow in color, sweetly scented, and spike-like. Flowering from March through June.
Fruit
Fruit pods are several seeded, containing 10 to 30 seeds, compressed when young and thick when mature, 3.9 to 9.8 in. (10-25 cm) long, and brown to yellowish in color. Seeds are oval or elliptic, compressed, 0.08 to 0.28(2-7 mm) long, and brown in color.
Ecological Threat
Prosopis juliflora can be found in subtropical to dry forest zone habitats. It is native to Central and South America.
Selected Images
Maps
EDDMapS Distribution - This map is incomplete and is based only on current site and county level reports made by experts, herbaria, and literature. For more information, visit www.eddmaps.org
Taxonomic Rank
| Domain: Eukarya |
| Kingdom: Plantae |
| Phylum: Magnoliophyta |
| Class: Magnoliopsida |
| Superorder: Rosanae |
| Order: Fabales |
| Family: Fabaceae |
| Genus: Prosopis |
| Prosopis juliflora |
References
Common Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.
Scientific Name Reference: USDA, NRCS. 2010. The PLANTS Database. National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, LA, USA.