mesquite
(Prosopis juliflora (Sw.) DC)

Overview

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

Invasive Listing Sources

• Hawaii Noxious Weeds

References