Honey mesquite
Prosopis glandulosa var. glandulosa
family
Mimosaceae
origin
Exotic
declaration
Category 3 Restricted Matter (Biosecurity Act 2014)
Must not be distributed or disposed. This means it must not be released into the environment unless the distribution or disposal is authorised in a regulation or under a permit.
Common names
Honey mesquite, Mesquite, Prosopis, Texas Mesquite.
Species vary in growth characteristics. Mesquite can occur as a multi-stemmed shrub with branches drooping to the ground, around 3-5 m high, or as a single-stemmed tree with a spreading canopy growing to 15 m.
Impact
Impact
Mesquite was originally favoured as a shade tree around homesteads and as fodder for stock. However, sparse stands will often form into impenetrable The sharp thorns can injure animals and puncture vehicle tyres. Seeds can lay dormant for years, and mesquite seedlings can therefore reappear in areas that have been cleared thickets. Many infestations are along waterways, both natural and constructed. However, plants will do just as well away from water. Even in rangelands it is an aggressive competitor and can quickly invade upland country. Mesquite thickets can out-compete other vegetation, interfere with mustering and block access to watering places.
Location
Location
Characteristics
Characteristics
Similar Species
Similar Species
Mesquite was originally favoured as a shade tree around homesteads and as fodder for stock. However, sparse stands will often form into impenetrable The sharp thorns can injure animals and puncture vehicle tyres. Seeds can lay dormant for years, and mesquite seedlings can therefore reappear in areas that have been cleared thickets. Many infestations are along waterways, both natural and constructed. However, plants will do just as well away from water. Even in rangelands it is an aggressive competitor and can quickly invade upland country. Mesquite thickets can out-compete other vegetation, interfere with mustering and block access to watering places.
