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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
extremely arid,
very arid, semi-
arid, semi-humid,
very humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
resistant
Irrigation
:
low
Salinity/ppm :
very high (30000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-18°C
SHAPE
Type
:
tree
Height
:
5 m-15 m
Spread
:
6 m-12 m
Foliage
:
semi-evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
pale yellow
Size
:
6 cm - 10 cm
Period
:
March - June
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
pod
Fruit size
:
12 cm - 25 cm
Toxicity
:
edible when
processed
The Common Mesquite, known as ghaf bahri in Arabic, has its origins in tropical America, and
most probably ‘invaded’ Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states during the late 1950s (CE) from Indo-
Pakistan. Mesquite has a loose, spreading crown of twigs and fern-like foliage on a short trunk
with rough, dark-brown bark. A fast-growing, deciduous tree up to 7 metres tall and 10 metres
wide, armed with pairs of spines, it has alternate, bipinnate, dull-green, and in spring bright-
green, leaves. The drooping, creamy-white flower tassels up to 10 cm long appear in mid-spring.
The slightly curved pods are up to 12 cm long, and are brown when ripe. P. juliflora grows in
sandy and silty soil and has long invasive roots; it tolerates a high water table as well as inun-
dation and extreme salinity. It requires full sun and is frost-tolerant, but the foliage will suffer
considerably after very sharp frosts. Although extremely drought-tolerant, it grows very slowly
without water: occasional deep irrigation promotes better growth. Propagation is by seeds, root
suckers, and hardwood cuttings. An invasive species keeping down indigenous grass and shrubs,
the Mesquite is not usually browsed. More attractive as a multi-trunked tree, good staking and
frequent pruning of a straight strong leader are necessary for a tall standard. A dripping dark flu-
id can stain paving, while some people are allergic to the pollen. Leaf and pod litter is a problem.
Trees are very suitable for afforestation, soil erosion control, stabilisation of sand dunes, and soil
improvement.
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Prosopis juliflora,
Mimosaceae
Common Mesquite,
Arizona Mesquite, Velvet Mesquite, ghaf bahri