Title: Blue Planet Biomes - Velvet Mesquite
Headings: Velvet Mesquite
Velvet Mesquite
Content: Small fuzzy hairs on the   leaves and young pods deflect the sun's rays, and further   protect them. Large thorns on young branches protect the   tree from over eager browsers. Mesquite, along with   desert ironwoods are considered to be "nurse trees" to other   desert plants like the saguaro, organ pipe cactus, and may   succulents and forbs. Its nitrogen-rich soil feeds young   seedlings while the canopy provides shelter and shade. Its   foliage provides cover for large animals like javelinas and   mule deer as well. Many species of rodents dig their burrows   under the mesquite tree. The temperature under the tree can   be 15° F cooler than the surrounding desert. bosque
Native   Americans used mesquite pods as a staple food. They   made tea, syrup, and ground meal called pinole from   various parts of the tree. Mesquite bark was used   to make baskets, fabrics and medicine.