Velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina, Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 25: 456 (1898))

Family: Fabaceae

Author: Wooton

Bibliography: Bull. Torrey Bot. Club 25: 456 (1898)

Year: 1898

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Prosopis

Vegetable: False

Observations: California to New Mexico and N. Mexico

Description

Velvet mesquite, scientifically known as Prosopis velutina, is a remarkable species belonging to the Fabaceae family. First documented in 1898 by Wooton in the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club, this robust plant is notable for its adaptability and resilience.

Native to a wide range extending from California to New Mexico, and further into Northern Mexico, velvet mesquite thrives in arid and semi-arid regions. This versatility allows it to flourish in environments where many other plants might struggle to survive, making it a keystone species in its native habitats.

The plant is characterized by its distinct, velvety texture, from which it derives its common name. Its foliage consists of intricate, bipinnate leaves that provide a delicate, feather-like appearance. The leaves’ surface is covered with fine hairs, giving them a soft, velvety feel. Velvet mesquite is also known for its hardy bark and deep, extensive root system, which allow it to access water from deep underground sources, making it highly drought-tolerant.

In spring and summer, velvet mesquite produces an array of yellow to cream-colored flowers that cluster together in dense, cylindrical spikes. These flowers are not only visually appealing but also play a crucial role in the ecosystem. They provide nectar and pollen for a variety of pollinators, including bees and other insects. Following the flowering season, the plant generates long, bean-like pods that are a vital food source for many wild animals.

Ecologically, velvet mesquite serves numerous functions. It helps prevent soil erosion due to its extensive root system, which stabilizes the ground. Furthermore, it enriches the soil through nitrogen fixation, a process typical of many Fabaceae members, whereby atmospheric nitrogen is converted into a form that plants can use, thanks to the symbiotic relationship with root-dwelling bacteria.

Given its ability to endure harsh environments and its significant ecological benefits, velvet mesquite is not just an interesting plant but an essential component of its native ecosystems. Its resilience and adaptability make it a plant of considerable interest for further study and conservation efforts.

Common Names

Afr: fluweelprosopis
Eng: velvet mesquite
En: Velvet mesquite
Af: Fluweelprosopis, Fluweel prosopis
Eo: Velura prozopo
He: ינבוט קטיפתי

Synonyms

• Prosopis chilensis var. velutina ((Wooton) Standl.)
• Neltuma velutina ((Wooton) Britton & Rose)
• Prosopis juliflora var. velutina ((Wooton) Sarg.)

Distribution

• Arizona (native)
• California (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Northern Territory (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Jul 1, 1992 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 14, 2020 by Gauri Achari (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 23, 2022 by Anita Malhotra (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 18, 2019 by Heather Van Shaar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2022 by Theo DUQUESNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 8, 2021 by Forrest Pope (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 6, 2022 by beth fiscus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 10, 2022 by Allen Heinemann (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Nov 6, 2022 by Ethan Greer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2015 by EOL − Terry Rosenmeier (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 4, 2009 by EOL − Anthony Mendoza (cc-by-nc-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.

Bark

Taken Nov 6, 2022 by Ethan Greer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2019 by Heather Van Shaar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Nov 18, 2019 by Heather Van Shaar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2019 by Heather Van Shaar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 25, 2022 by Theo DUQUESNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2002 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5358538)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:210481-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Prosopis velutina Wooton)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth