Screwbean Mesquite Prosopis pubescens

Detailed Listing For

Botanical Name:

Prosopis pubescens

Family:

Fabaceae

Genus:

Prosopis

Species:

pubescens

Common Name:

Screwbean Mesquite

Height:

15-20 feet

Minimum Hardiness Zone:

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Prosopis pubescens

Quantity

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Characteristics

Spiney Plant

Growing Info, follow in order:

Scarification: Soak in hot tap water, let stand in water for 24 hours.

Stratification: none required.

Germination: sow seed 3/8" deep, tamp the soil, mulch the seed bed.

Other: if boiling water treatment does not allow seed to imbibe, sulfuric acid treatment is required.

In a Nutshell:

* Prosopis pubescens, commonly known as screwbean mesquite, is a species of flowering shrub or small tree in the pea family, Fabaceae, that is native to the southwestern United States (Texas, Arizona, New Mexico, California, southern Nevada and Utah) and northern Mexico (Baja California, Chihuahua, Coahuila, Sonora).

* This plant grows to about 7 m (23 ft). It has light brown bark, usually short, straight spines 1 to 3 centimeters long, twice-compound leaves, and numerous small yellowish flowers appearing in elongate spikes.

* The tightly twisted seedpods (legumes) are up to 5 centimeters long and very much resemble turned screws. This morphology may have been an evolutionary defense against seed predators such as bean weevils (Bruchinae).

* It is found along streams and valleys in deserts, particularly in damp or saline soil.

* Many types of animals readily eat the seedpods, including several bird and rodent species and coyotes.

* Many species of birds nest and roost in the trees, and small mammals find shelter in thicketlike stands.

* Like those of other Prosopis species, Screwbean Mesquite has nutritious seedpods that can be eaten. Mesquite meal is a traditional Native American food. Used as a staple food for centuries by desert dwellers, this high protein meal contains good quantities of calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and zinc, and is rich in the amino acid lysine as well.

* Native Americans found Screwbean wood valuable for building, for making tools and weapons, and as firewood. more...

Usda description:

More info on http://plants.usda.gov

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Screwbean Mesquite Prosopis pubescens

Prosopis pubescens

Fabaceae

Prosopis

pubescens

Screwbean Mesquite

Prosopis pubescens

Wildlife Food

Drought Tolerant Plant

Flowering Tree

Heat Tolerant

Edible

Exfoliating Bark

BioFuel

Spiney Plant