View source for Mesquite

{{Short description|Several species of leguminous trees}}
{{About|a tree|the city in Texas|Mesquite, Texas|the city in Nevada|Mesquite, Nevada|other uses}}
[[File:Mezquites en Jesús María, Aguascalientes 08.jpg|thumb|''[[Neltuma laevigata]]'' mesquite near the Chichimeco dam, in Jesús María, Aguascalientes, Mexico.]]

'''Mesquite''' is a common name for some plants in the genera ''[[Neltuma]]'' and ''[[Strombocarpa]]'', which contain over 50 species of spiny, deep-rooted [[Legume|leguminous]] shrubs and small trees. They are native to dry areas in the [[Americas]]. Until 2022, these genera were traditionally included in a [[lumpers and splitters|broad]] view of the genus ''[[Prosopis]]'', but that genus is now restricted to a few species native to the [[Old World]].<ref name="PhytoKeys">{{cite journal | last1=Hughes | first1=Colin E. | last2=Ringelberg | first2=Jens J. | last3=Lewis | first3=Gwilym P. | last4=Catalano | first4=Santiago A. | title=Disintegration of the genus Prosopis L. (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae, mimosoid clade) | journal=PhytoKeys | issue=205 | date=2022-08-22 | issn=1314-2003 | pmid=36762004 | pmc=9849005 | doi=10.3897/phytokeys.205.75379 | doi-access=free | pages=147–189}}</ref>

Mesquites have extremely long roots to seek water from very far under ground. As they are legumes, mesquites are one of the few sources of [[Nitrogen fixation|fixed nitrogen]] in the desert habitat. The trees bloom from spring to summer. They often produce fruits known as "pods". Mesquites are able to grow up to {{convert|8|m|ft|0}} tall, depending on site and climate. They are deciduous and depending on location and rainfall have either deep or shallow roots. Mesquites are considered long-lived because of the low mortality rate after the [[dicotyledon]]ous stage and juveniles are also able to survive in conditions with low light and drought. The [[Cahuilla]] indigenous people of western North America were known to eat the seeds of mesquite.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last1=Klinken|first1=Rieks D. van|last2=Graham|first2=Jodi|last3=Flack|first3=Lloyd K.|date=2006-01-13|title=Population Ecology of Hybrid Mesquite (Prosopis Species) in Western Australia: How Does it Differ from Native Range Invasions and What are the Implications for Impacts and Management?|journal=Biological Invasions|language=en|volume=8|issue=4|pages=727–741|doi=10.1007/s10530-005-3427-7|bibcode=2006BiInv...8..727V |s2cid=28225745|issn=1387-3547}}</ref>

== History ==
Mesquites have been in North America since the [[Pliocene]] era and their wood has been dated to 3300 yr BP.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|last1=Brown|first1=J. R.|last2=Archer|first2=Steve|date=2013-03-13|title=Woody plant invasion of grasslands: establishment of honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa var.glandulosa) on sites differing in herbaceous biomass and grazing history|journal=Oecologia|language=en|volume=80|issue=1|pages=19–26|doi=10.1007/BF00789926|pmid=23494340|s2cid=13383252|issn=0029-8549}}</ref> They are thought to have evolved with megafauna in the New World.  The loss of North American megafauna at the end of the Pleistocene era gave way to one theory of how mesquites were able to survive. One theory is that the loss of the megafauna allowed mesquites to use their fruit pods to attract other organisms to spread their seeds;  then, with the introduction of livestock, they were able to spread into grasslands. Another is that mesquites had always been present in grasslands, but recurring fires had delayed plant and seed development before the emergence of livestock and grazing.<ref name=":1"/>

==Etymology==
The English word mesquite is borrowed from the [[Mexican Spanish]] word ''mezquite'', which in turn was borrowed from the [[Nāhuatl]] term ''mizquitl''.<ref>[https://www.lib.utexas.edu/books/utdigital/book/pdf/dictionary.pdf Entry for ''mizquitl''] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304223804/https://www.lib.utexas.edu/books/utdigital/book/pdf/dictionary.pdf|date=2016-03-04}} in the ''A Nahuatl–English Dictionary and Concordance to the Cantares Mexicanos'' by [[John Bierhorst]] (p. 216).</ref><ref>[http://lema.rae.es/drae/?val=mezquite Entry for ''mesquite''] in the ''[[Diccionario de la lengua española]]'' ([[Real Academia Española]]).</ref><ref>[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=mesquite&allowed_in_frame=0 Entry for mesquite] in the [[Online Etymology Dictionary]].</ref>

==Habitat==
Mesquites grow as a small shrub in shallow soil or as tall as {{Convert|15|m|0}} in deep soil with adequate moisture, and forms a rounded canopy nearly as wide. They may have one or multiple trunks with a multitude of branches. They have [[bipinnate]] leaflets of a light green to blue hue that cast a light to deep shade, depending on the species. Spikes of flowers form in spring and summer that form a flat pod of beans {{Convert|5|–|15|cm|0}} long. Many species form thorns. When cut to the ground, the tree can often recover.{{cn|date=October 2023}}

==Uses==
Once the pod is dry, the whole pod is edible and can be ground into [[mesquite flour|flour]] and made into [[bread]].

Mesquite wood was a popular type of wood used by early Spaniards to build ships, but is now used most commonly for high-end rustic furniture and cabinets. Scraps and small pieces are used commonly as wood for [[Smoking (cooking)|cooking with smoke]] in Western, South Central American states.<ref name="TM">{{cite news |author=Daniel Vaughn |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/bbq/smoking-with-mesquite/ |title=Smoking With Mesquite |newspaper=Texas Monthly |date=2015-09-15 }}</ref>

Red-orange sap can be found on the branches of mesquite trees during the summer. This sap was used by those who lived in the desert for several medicinal treatments. The sap was used as a salve and spread on burns and cuts to speed up the healing process. Gargling a mixture of water and sap was used to soothe sore throats, and the same mixture was said to be able to cure upset stomachs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nps.gov/tuma/learn/nature/mesquite-tree.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160426075339/https://www.nps.gov/tuma/learn/nature/mesquite-tree.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 26, 2016|title=Mesquite - Tumacácori National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service)|last1=Tumacacori|first1=Mailing Address: P. O. Box 8067|last2=Us|first2=AZ 85640 Phone:377-5060 Contact|website=www.nps.gov|language=en|access-date=2020-03-25}}</ref>

==As an introduced and invasive species==
[[File:Mesquite Range in the United States.jpg|thumb|Nonfederal  rangeland where aggressive, native mesquite species are present in the United States]]
Some mesquites are different from most invasive species because they are highly aggressive in both their native and introduced ranges. Their impacts on the invaded ecosystems include changes to hydrological, energy, and [[nutrient cycling]], as well as consequences to biodiversity and primary production.<ref name=":0" /> Mesquite density and canopy cover influence the herbaceous layer and native shrubs and are factors in the changes to the ecosystem.
===In its native range===
In the United States, mesquites have become the dominant woody plant on {{convert|38000000|ha}} of semiarid grasslands. Although North America is in their native range, due to an imbalance within this ecosystem it has been able to spread rapidly.{{unbalanced opinion|date=February 2025}}{{POV statement|beef industry propaganda|date=February 2025}} It is considered the most common and widely spread "pest" plant in [[Texas]]. An estimated 25% of Texas grasslands are infested and {{convert|16|e6acre|e6ha|abbr=off}} are so invaded that it is suppressing the majority of grass production.<ref name=":1" />{{unbalanced opinion|date=February 2025}}{{POV statement|beef industry propaganda|date=February 2025}} In Mexico and the US, the two most problematic species are honey mesquite (''[[Neltuma glandulosa]]'') and velvet mesquite (''[[Neltuma velutina]]'').<ref name=":2"/>{{unbalanced opinion|date=February 2025}}
===As an introduced species===
Honey and other mesquites have been introduced to parts of [[Africa]], [[Asia]], and [[Australia]]. [[Honey mesquite]] is considered by the [[World Conservation Union]] as one of the world's most problematic [[invasive species]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.k-state.edu/withlab/consbiol/IUCN_invaders.pdf | title=100 of the World's Worst Invasive Alien Species | website=K-state.edu | access-date=2009-11-27 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011193140/http://www.k-state.edu/withlab/consbiol/IUCN_invaders.pdf | archive-date=2008-10-11 | url-status=dead }}</ref> Its spread into grasslands is mostly attributed to the introduction of domestic livestock, although other factors include climate change, [[overgrazing]], and the reduction of fire frequency.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://texnat.tamu.edu/library/symposia/brush-sculptors-innovations-for-tailoring-brushy-rangelands-to-enhance-wildlife-habitat-and-recreational-value/mesquite-ecology/|title=Mesquite ecology « Texas Natural Resources Server|website=Texnat.tamu.edu|access-date=2016-04-28}}</ref> The similar, related ''[[Prosopis]]'' species occur naturally in these areas, but these changes have resulted in these non-native relatives being able to successfully outcompete the native species, and they are now considered invasive species because they are able to take advantage of vulnerable ecosystems.<ref name=":2" />

In Australia ''Neltuma'' spp. (''[[Neltuma pallida|N. pallida]]'', ''N. glandulosa'', ''N. velutina'', and their hybrids with ''[[Neltuma juliflora|N. juliflora]]'') are ranked nationally as one of the 20 most significant weeds. They now cover almost {{convert|1|e6ha|e6acre|abbr=off}} of land. ''Neltuma'' species were originally introduced to help with erosion because of their deep root systems.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qe9xnWc0oIwC|title=Biological Control of Weeds in Australia|last1=Cullen|first1=Jim|last2=Julien|first2=Mic|last3=McFadyen|first3=Rachel|date=2012-03-05|publisher=Csiro Publishing|isbn=9780643104211|language=en}}</ref>

Additionally ''[[Neltuma laevigata|N. laevigata]]'' was previously invasive in Australia, but has since been eradicated. The last known specimens of ''[[Neltuma laevigata|N. laevigata]]'' were eliminated in 2006, but given the possibility of lingering seeds in the [[soil seed bank]], [[Biosecurity Queensland]] waited 15 years and declared Australia free of ''N. laevigata'' in 2021.<ref name="ABC-Aust-eradication">{{cite news | last=Chen | first=David | title=Potential 'super weed' eradicated from Australia | newspaper=ABC News | date=2021-07-28 | url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-07-28/potential-super-weed-eradicated-from-australia/100330996 | access-date=2021-07-28}}</ref>

In [[India]], mesquites had been introduced decades ago,{{when|date=February 2025}} but until recently,{{when|date=February 2025}} their effects had not been studied. This genus has been pushing out the [[Indian wild ass]] (''Equus hemionus khur'').<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://blogs.scientificamerican.com/extinction-countdown/mesquite-invasion-threatens-a-unique-species-in-india/|title=Mesquite Invasion Threatens a Unique Species in India|last=Platt|first=John R.|website=Scientific American Blog Network|access-date=2016-04-28}}</ref> This herbivorous mammal eats the pods of mesquites, which was one of the intended purposes of its introduction. Through digesting and excreting the seeds, the Indian wild asses are providing the habitat needed for germination. The {{convert|5,000|sqkm|sqmi|0}} [[Indian Wild Ass Sanctuary]] is experiencing mesquite invasion of roughly {{convert|1.95|sqkm|sqmi}} a year. By overtaking the land, the dense canopy cover of mesquite has made it so native vegetation cannot grow. It has also made watering holes inaccessible to the animals within this region. This lack of resources and range is forcing the endangered Indian wild ass into human landscapes and agriculture fields and locals are killing these asses to protect their crops.{{cn|date=October 2023}}

=== Control strategies ===
Controlling mesquite is a challenging task. One often-used method is mechanical control. This can be effective with high mortality rates if stems are cut at least {{convert|20|cm|in|0}} underground. Another method is through the application of herbicides, done on an individual plant basis.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://texnat.tamu.edu/about/brush-busters/mesquite/|title = Mesquite &#124; Texas Natural Resources Server}}</ref> Basal application is effective to mesquite of all sizes, while foliar application is best for plants smaller than {{convert|1.5|m|ft|0}}. Another physical option for control is through fires. Some species of mesquite are fire-sensitive, while others are fire-tolerant. For those that are fire-sensitive, this method can be highly effective, but those that are fire-tolerant require hot and intense fires to be effective. In Australia, scientists are trying biological control methods. They have introduced multiple insects, but the most effective in causing high population level impact is the leaf-tying moth ([[Evippe (genus)|''Evippe'']] spp.).<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.weeds.org.au/WoNS/mesquite/docs/Mesquite_Mgmnt-1.pdf|title=Mesquite Management|website=Weeds.org.au|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326234557/http://www.weeds.org.au/WoNS/mesquite/docs/Mesquite_Mgmnt-1.pdf|archive-date=2016-03-26}}</ref> The most recommended method for managing mesquites, both in native and introduced ranges, is by targeting large numbers of plants either through herbicide or physical removal. Also, research is being done on using satellite and aerial images to assess canopy cover and determine which ranges should be targeted.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Mirik|first1=Mustafa|last2=Ansley|first2=R. James|date=2012-06-29|title=Utility of Satellite and Aerial Images for Quantification of Canopy Cover and Infilling Rates of the Invasive Woody Species Honey Mesquite (Prosopis Glandulosa) on Rangeland|journal=Remote Sensing|language=en|volume=4|issue=7|pages=1947–1962|doi=10.3390/rs4071947|bibcode=2012RemS....4.1947M|doi-access=free|hdl=1969.1/180663|hdl-access=free}}</ref>

==Species==
* ''[[Neltuma alba]]'' (white mesquite) <!--                      is this a mesquite, common name seems to be algarrobo blanc -->
* ''[[Neltuma chilensis]]'' (Chilean mesquite) <!--               is this a mesquite, common name seems to be algarrobo Chileno, algarrobo blanco -->
* ''[[Neltuma glandulosa]]'' (honey mesquite)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.texasbeyondhistory.net/st-plains/nature/images/mesquite.html|title=nature-mesquite|website=Texasbeyondhistory.net|access-date=3 October 2018}}</ref>
* ''[[Neltuma humilis]]'' <!--                                   is this a mesquite? --> 
* ''[[Neltuma juliflora]]'' <!--                                 is this a mesquite? --> 
* ''[[Neltuma laevigata]]'' (smooth mesquite)
* ''[[Neltuma nigra]]'' (black mesquite) <!-- is this a mesquite, common name seems to be algarrobo negro ("black carob tree") -->
* ''[[Neltuma pallida]]'' <!--                                   is this a mesquite? --> 
* ''[[Neltuma velutina]]'' (velvet mesquite)
* ''[[Strombocarpa pubescens]]'' (screwbean mesquite, tornillo)<!--                   is this a mesquite? -->
* ''[[Strombocarpa strombulifera]]'' (creeping mesquite)

The name 'mesquite' has also been misapplied in recent history to these Old World species, due to their previously considered congeneric affinity:
* ''[[Anonychium africanum]]'' (African "mesquite")
* ''[[Prosopis cineraria]]'' (Persian "mesquite")
* ''[[Prosopis farcta]]'' (Syrian "mesquite")

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Prosopis pubescens beans.jpg|[[Strombocarpa pubescens|Screwbean mesquite]] pods
File:Prosopis pubescens inflorescence 2003-06-02.jpg|Screwbean mesquite flowers
File:Prosopis-glandulosa-seed-pods.jpg|Honey mesquite, foliage with seedpods
File:Prosopis velutina seeds.jpg|Velvet mesquite dried seeds
File:Velvet mesquite.jpg|Velvet mesquite tree
File:Prosopis-glandulosa-foliage.JPG|Honey mesquite foliage
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[Mesquite Bosque]]
* [[Tamaulipan mezquital]]

==References==
{{reflist|30em}}

==External links==
{{AmCyc Poster|Mezquite}}
{{Wikisource1911Enc|Mesquite}}
* [http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=PROSO USDA NRCS Plants Database]
* [http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/natives/Prosopisglandulosavargland.htm Honey mesquite], [http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/natives/prosopispubescens.htm Screwbean mesquite], and [http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/ornamentals/natives/prosopisglandulosavartorr.htm Western mesquite] at Texas A&M's Plant Answers
* [http://texastreeplanting.tamu.edu/Display_Onetree.aspx?tid=68 Honey mesquite] at the Texas Tree Planting Guide
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20070325200317/http://agnews.tamu.edu/dailynews/stories/RNEC/Oct1106a.htm AgNews] article on wood to ethanol using mesquite
* [https://www.moolihai.com/health-benefits-of-mesquite/ Health Benefits of Mesquite]
* {{Cite book| last = Rogers | first = Ken E. | title = The Magnificent Mesquite | publisher = University of Texas Press | year = 2000 | isbn = 978-0-292-77105-5 | oclc = 43036762}}
* {{cite web | title=Mesquite | website=[[Business Queensland]] | date=2015-10-31 | url=http://www.business.qld.gov.au/industries/farms-fishing-forestry/agriculture/land-management/health-pests-weeds-diseases/weeds-diseases/invasive-plants/restricted/mesquite | access-date=2021-07-28}}

[[Category:Mimosoids]]
[[Category:Drought-tolerant trees]]
[[Category:Edible legumes]]
[[Category:Garden plants of North America]]
[[Category:North American desert flora]]
[[Category:Ornamental trees]]
[[Category:Plant common names]]