Plant
Honey Mesquite
Prosopis glandulosaHoney mesquite is a thorny shrub or small tree with finely divided compound leaves and narrow spikes of yellowish flowers. A broad root system supports survival through prolonged dry periods, while low branches create dense shade and cover.
thorny treedrought adaptednitrogen fixer
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—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyProduces energy through photosynthesis and gains nitrogen through root-associated bacteria
Predators
- mesquite borers
- seed beetles
- grazing mammals
ThreatsLand clearing, intensive control, severe drought, altered groundwater, and fire
HabitatsDry grassland, scrub, desert washes, rangeland, roadsides, and disturbed ground
Life spanA long-lived woody plant that can persist for many decades
Classification
- OrderFabales
- FamilyFabaceae
- GenusProsopis
- SpeciesProsopis glandulosa
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
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- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Strong thorns can puncture skin; avoid walking through dense branches or handling broken limbs.
Responsible observation
- Identify: Look for paired fine leaflets, narrow yellow flower spikes, and stout thorns.
- Observe: Remain outside the low crown so clothing and equipment do not snag.
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