Western honey mesquite

Prosopis glandulosa Torr. var. torreyana (Benson) M.C. Johnst.

Fabaceae (Legume family)

Description

This variety of common honey mesquite is found in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. A member of the Legume family, western honey mesquite generally reaches 2 to 4 feet tall and is multi-stemmed. The two varieties of Prosopis glandulosa hybridize readily, and the plants may contain characteristics of each.

The leaves are composed of five to 20 pairs of leaflets that are much smaller than those of common honey mesquite. They are opposite, or situated in pairs across from each other along the stem. The plant also has opposite thorns at each node.

Its flowers can appear throughout the summer months, depending on rainfall. The long, narrow bean pods develop and fall to the ground during late summer to fall.

The forage value of western honey mesquite is poor for livestock and wildlife except that the beans are consumed by both.