Honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa, Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 2: 192 (1827))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Torr.

Bibliography: Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 2: 192 (1827)

Year: 1827

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Prosopis

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & S. U.S.A. to Mexico

Description

Honey mesquite, scientifically known as Prosopis glandulosa, is a versatile and hardy plant native to parts of the central and southern United States, as well as regions extending into Mexico. Recognized for its adaptability, honey mesquite thrives in a variety of environmental conditions, making it a prominent feature in arid and semi-arid landscapes.

This resilient species belongs to the Fabaceae family, a group well-known for its ability to enhance soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. The honey mesquite’s deep root system allows it to access moisture far beneath the arid surface, ensuring its survival during extended dry periods. This characteristic not only aids in its persistence but also makes it an essential plant in stabilizing desert soils and preventing erosion.

Honey mesquite typically displays a leguminous growth pattern, characterized by its thorny branches and feathery leaves. The plant produces fragrant flowers that attract a variety of pollinators, contributing to the biodiversity of its native habitats. Following the flowering period, honey mesquite yields seed pods that are a significant food source for local wildlife. Additionally, these seed pods have historical importance to indigenous populations who utilized them for their nutritional value.

In the 19th century, specifically in 1827, the plant was documented in “Ann. Lyceum Nat. Hist. New York 2: 192,” by the author known simply as Torr. This early documentation underscores the plant’s longstanding recognition and importance within botanical studies.

Overall, the honey mesquite is not just a plant of ecological value but also of cultural and historical significance, standing as a testament to the adaptability and resilience of flora in challenging environments.

Common Names

Eng: honey mesquite, mesquite
Spa: mesquite
En: Honey mesquite, Mesquite
Es: Mesquite

Synonyms

• Prosopis juliflora var. glandulosa ((Torr.) Cockerell)
• Dasiogyna glandulosa ((Torr.) Raf.)
• Neltuma glandulosa ((Torr.) Britton & Rose)
• Algarobia glandulosa ((Torr.) Torr. & A.Gray)
• Prosopis chilensis var. glandulosa ((Torr.) Standl.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• California (native)
• Colorado (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Texas (native)
• Botswana (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Djibouti (introduced)
• Eritrea (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Guinea-Bissau (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Iran (introduced)
• Iraq (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Libya (introduced)
• Mali (introduced)
• Mauritania (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• Namibia (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Niger (introduced)
• Nigeria (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Somalia (introduced)
• Sudan (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Aug 14, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 2, 2015 by EOL − Airon Casas (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 30, 2015 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 8, 2015 by EOL − Sam Kieschnick (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jun 2, 2022 by jaime jack (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.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Fruit

Taken Nov 11, 2014 by EOL − Linda Jo Conn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 20, 2013 by EOL − Judith Lopez Sikora (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 1, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2002 by EOL − Robert Potts (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 28, 2021 by Sergio Sánchez (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Jun 13, 2015 by EOL − matthew_salkiewicz (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 12, 2020 by Rachel Pierce (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 19, 2022 by Jazz Duke (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 11, 2021 by Holly Tran (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jul 28, 2022 by Elizabeth Kirby (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 2, 2022 by jaime jack (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2019 by Gonzlez luis (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 4, 2019 by Samuel Samuel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 16, 2019 by VICTOR Sanders (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 21, 2015 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 7, 2014 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Dec 2, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 22, 2015 by EOL − Jim Varnum (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 3, 2007 by EOL − J. E.(Jed) and Bonnie McClellan (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5358457)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:210440-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Prosopis glandulosa Torr.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Shrub, Tree

Growth