Accession Count: 1
Common Name:
mathenge, mesquite, algarroba, ironwood eterai
Family Name:
Fabaceae
Botanical Name:
Prosopis juliflora
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Prosopis juliflora, one of many mesquite species, is a large-growing evergreen tree with a large tree cover and open canopy (2). Leaves are pinnately compound, with individual leaflets 3-16 mm long (2) on green to brown woody stems (2,4). Wood is a dark brown and features sharp thorns (1,2,4). Like most mesquites, Prosopis juliflora produces small, bright yellow flowers during the summer as well as tan seed-pods (1,2,4)
Compound:
Pro jul
Geographic Origin:
Mexico, Central and South America
Ecozone Origin:
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
Cultivation Notes:
Prosopis juliflora is an excellent pick for desert growing. It is heat and drought resistant and will tolerate a wide range of soils (2). The mesquite does not require watering once established, and will survive off of ground water (1,2,4). Ground space near the trunk should be kept clear by 6 to 9 feet (1).
Ethnobotany:
Height:
20 - 50 feet
Width:
16 - 20 feet
Growth Rate:
Fast Growing
Grow Season:
Flower Season:
Summer
Color:
Yellow
Function:
Shade
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Benign
Hardy:
Hardy
Water Use:
Low water Use