Family: Fabaceae
Author: (Guill. & Perr.) Taub.
Bibliography: H.G.A.Engler & K.A.E.Prantl, Nat. Pflanzenfam. 3(3): 119 (1892)
Year: 1892
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Prosopis
Vegetable: False
Observations: W. Trop. Africa to Uganda, Arabian Pen.
Description
African Mesquite: An Essential Tree of the Tropics
Prosopis africana, commonly known as the African mesquite, is a significant plant species indigenous to West Tropical Africa, extending its presence to Uganda and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. This versatile tree is a member of the Fabaceae family, renowned for its adaptability to arid environments and its economic value.
The African mesquite was first described scientifically by H.G.A. Engler and K.A.E. Prantl in 1892, categorizing it under the natural order of plants. The tree was later attributed to authors Guill. & Perr. and further classified by Taub. This extensive study into the plant’s taxonomy highlights its importance within the botanical research community.
Prosopis africana thrives in harsh climatic conditions, making it a pivotal species for regions prone to desertification. Its ability to withstand prolonged droughts and grow in poor soil conditions ensures its survival and contribution to soil stabilization and nitrogen fixation. These characteristics endow the African mesquite with the ability to improve soil fertility, supporting not only its growth but also benefiting surrounding vegetation.
In addition to its ecological benefits, the African mesquite holds significant economic value for the local communities. Its wood, known for its hardness and durability, is employed in various applications such as furniture making, construction, and charcoal production. The tree’s pods are also a valuable food source for livestock, providing a nutritious supplement in regions where forage is scarce.
The African mesquite is not merely a plant but a cornerstone species for environmental sustainability and economic resilience in the areas it inhabits. Its contributions to both the ecosystem and human livelihoods make it an indispensable resource, underscoring the importance of its conservation and sustainable utilization.
Common Names
Eng: african mesquite
Por: pau-carvão
En: African mesquite, Ironwood
Bm: Gele, Gouele
Fr: Ir
Ff: Kohi
Lt: Afrikinis algarobas
Fa: کهور آفریقایی
Pt: Pau-carvão
Wo: Hirr
Synonyms
- Coulteria africana (Guill. & Perr.)
- Anonychium lanceolatum (Schweinf.)
- Entada coulteri (Roberty)
- Entada durissima (Baill.)
- Prosopis oblonga (Benth.)
Distribution
- Benin (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Congo (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Togo (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Zaïre (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Jan 10, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 12, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Florian FRAIX-BAVUZ (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 11, 2022 by ESPOIR ANDJI (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Jan 10, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Dec 3, 2007 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Dec 3, 2007 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken May 26, 2022 by Diouf aliou (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 12, 2011 by Tela Botanica − Florian FRAIX-BAVUZ (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5358514)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:515782-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Prosopis africana (Guill. & Perr.) Taub.)