Home > Facts > Plants Facts > Mesquite tree Facts

Mesquite tree Facts

Mesquite tree Facts
Mesquite tree is deciduous tree that belongs to the legume family. There are more than 40 species of mesquite tree, most of which originate from North America. Mesquite tree can be found in dry, warm, arid and semi-arid areas around the world today. It is classified as invasive in all areas outside its native range due to ability to absorb all available water from the ground and prevent growth of nearby plants. People cultivate mesquite tree mostly in ornamental purposes.
Interesting Mesquite tree Facts:
Mesquite grows in the form of shrub (when water is scarce) or in the form of tree that can reach 50 feet in height (in areas with permanent water supply).
Mesquite tree develops one or more trunks covered with dark brown bark. Its short branches are equipped with sharp thorns that can reach 3 inches in length.
Mesquite tree develops 75 to 160 feet long taproot designed for the extraction of water hidden deep under the surface of the ground.
Mesquite tree develops bipinnate, feathery leaves that are usually composed of 9 pairs of oblong leaflets. Leaves can be bluish green or olive green in color.
Mesquite tree produces creamy white or yellowish flowers arranged in the form of catkins. Flowers contain both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers).
Mesquite tree blooms during the spring and summer. Flowers are rich source of nectar which attracts bees, that are responsible for the pollination of this plant.
Fruit of mesquite tree is seedpod filled with 10 to 30 seed. Seedpod resembles the green beans. It can be 10 inches long. Ripe pod splits to release seed.
Seed of mesquite tree retains ability to germinate after dormancy of 40 years.
Seedpods of mesquite tree are rich source of proteins and fibers. They represent important source of food for the wild animals, livestock and humans.
Seedpods have sweet, nutty flavor. They can be consumed cooked (like green beans) or used in the form of flour. Seedpods can be also used for the manufacture of mesquite wine.
Roasted seedpods were used as a substitute for coffee during the American civil war.
Native Americans used thorns of mesquite trees as needles for sewing, seedpods as a source of food, inner bark for the manufacture of baskets, tree sap as a source of black dye and wood for the manufacture of bows and arrows.
Sap extracted from the mesquite tree can be used in treatment of headache, eye disorders, inflammation, dysentery, stomachache and sore throat. Root can be used in treatment of wounds, colic and diarrhea.
Wood of mesquite tree is used for the manufacture of furniture, parquet floors, doors, tables, sculptures, fences and for the smoking of meat.
Lifespan of mesquite tree depends on the species. Some species can survive more than 200 years in the wild.


Related Links:
Facts
Plants Facts
Animals Facts