Honey mesquite

Honey mesquite

Prosopis glandulosa (Fabaceae)

Common Name:

Honey mesquite

Scientific Name:

Prosopis glandulosa (Fabaceae)


Alternative common names:

Heuningprosopis (Afrikaans)

Description:

Multi-stemmed acacia-like shrub or small tree up to 10m high with paired, straight spines and reddish-brown branchlets. Dark green leaves with leaflets 10-25mm long. Yellow flower spikes from June to November. Yellowish to purplish, slender, straight, woody pods. Pods poisonous and pollen is a respiratory tract irritant

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

North and Central America

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

CARA 2002 - Category 2 NEMBA - a. 1b in Eastern Cape, Free State, North-West and Western Cape. b. 3 in Northern Cape. c. The utilisation of the pods for fodder is not listen in the Northern Cape, Eastern Cape, Free State, North-West and Western Cape. d. Not listed elsewhere.

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Limpopo, North West, Free State, Eastern Cape, and Western Cape

How does it spread?

Spread by seeds

Why is it a problem?

Prosopis trees are extravagant users of readily available ground-water and dense stands could seriously affect the hydrology of the ecosystems they invade. Dense stands compete with and replace indigenous woody and grassland species. Dense stands produce few pods and thus replace natural pasturage without providing pods in return. Dense stands are virtually impenetrable, restricting the movement of domestic and wild animals and causing injuries

What does it look like?

General description: Multi-stemmed acacia-like shrub or small tree up to 10m high with paired, straight spines and reddish-brown branchlets.
Leaves: Dark green leaves with leaflets 10-25mm long.
Flowers: Yellow flower spikes from June to November.
Fruit/Seeds: Yellowish to purplish, slender, straight, woody pods. Pods poisonous and pollen is a respiratory tract irritant

Does the plant have any uses?

Fodder, shade, fuel and as a honey source

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