|
Mesquite trees (genus Prosopis) are found in the United States from north-central Texas and Oklahoma up to southwestern Kansas and west to southeastern California, and from southwestern Utah to the southern limits of the Sonoran and Chihuahuan Deserts in Mexico. These deciduous trees generally reach a height of 6 to 9 meters (20 to 30 ft), although in most of their range they can be shrub size). They have narrow, bipinnately compound leaves 50 to 75 mm (2 to 3 inches) long that are sharply pointed.
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 availabliliy, easily and rapidly moving from one source to the other. Many people, especially ranchers, consider the tree a nuisance because it competes with rangeland grasses for moisture. In many parts of Texas, particularly West and Central Texas, the proliferation of mesquite is directly responsible for lowering of groundwater tables, exceeding even man's increased useage.
Eradicating mesquite is difficult because of the bud regeneration zone located up to 6 inches (150 mm) below ground. The tree can regenerate from a piece of root left in the ground. Some herbicides are not effective against mesquite, and others do not get a complete kill, and grubbing techniques, effective against short-term regrowth, are expensive, costing upwards of $70/acre ($17,000/km²).
New growth of mesquite has needle-sharp thorns up to 75 mm (3 in) long. The spines are tough enough to penetrate the soft soles of tennis shoes or similar footwear, and can easily puncture tires.
On the good side, mesquite trees grow fast and furnish shade where other trees will not grow. Also, being a legume, it fixes nitrogen in the soil where it grows, although this is a rather newly discovered and still poorly understood part of its life cycle. The wood is hard, allowing it to be used for furniture, implements, and firewood as it burns slowly. When used to barbecue, the smoke from the wood adds a distinct flavor to the meat. 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 even wine.
Some common species of Mesquite are Honey Mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), Velvet Mesquite (Prosopis velutina), Creeping Mesquite (Prosopis strombulifera) and Screwbean Mesquite (Prosopis pubescens).
For cities named "Mesquite," see Mesquite, Texas or Mesquite, Nevada.
|
