Title: nature-mesquite
Headings: Honey mesquite
Honey mesquite
Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa Torr. Fabaceae (Bean or Legume Family)
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Content: nature-mesquite
Honey mesquite
Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa Torr. Fabaceae (Bean or Legume Family)
Mesquite is a small tree or shrub, usually armed with straight, very stout spines that produces edible fruits called legumes, beans, or pods. A signature plant of the South Texas Plains, mesquite, perhaps more than any other plant, is characteristic of the region (Johnston 1963). This plant was used in many different ways by native peoples. Its nutritious pods were highly valued as an important food resource rich in sugar and protein, its hard wood was used for making tools, musical instruments, and fuel, and the plant had medicinal and ritual uses as well. The yellow-green mesquite leaves are compound, that is a single leaf is composed of several small leaflets. Honey mesquite is widely distributed across the southwest into Mexico. The cylindrical, cream colored flower spikes are actually composed of dozens of tiny flowers. The fruit is a bean or legume, slightly curved usually measuring 6-10 inches.