Honey Mesquite

Edibility: 

The sweet pods are edible and have been a traditional food source for indigenous peoples in its native range. They can be ground into flour for bread, or used to make drinks and syrups. The seeds are also edible.

Toxicity: 

Not generally considered toxic to humans. However, consumption of large quantities of pods by livestock can sometimes cause digestive upset if they are not used to it, due to the sugars. Its thorns pose a physical hazard.

Uses: 

Cultivated in its native range and elsewhere for its pods (food for humans and livestock), firewood, timber, and as a shade tree. It has been used for erosion control and land rehabilitation in arid areas.

Ecology: 

As an alien invasive plant in South Africa, Prosopis glandulosa (and other Prosopis species) is a major ecological and agricultural threat, particularly in the arid and semi-arid regions of the Northern Cape, Free State, and Eastern Cape. It invades rangelands, savannas, grasslands, and riparian areas, forming dense, impenetrable thickets. These thickets displace indigenous vegetation, reduce biodiversity, and make land inaccessible for grazing by livestock and wildlife. Its deep root system allows it to extract vast amounts of groundwater, leading to significant water loss from catchments, reducing water availability for other plants and human use. Its thorns also make infested areas difficult to traverse. Seeds are dispersed by livestock and wildlife that consume the sweet pods.

Distribution and habitat: 

Widely cultivated and extensively naturalised and invasive in the drier, arid, and semi-arid regions of South Africa. It is a major problem in the Northern Cape (especially the Karoo region), Eastern Cape (in arid areas like the Karoo Midlands, less so around coastal Kenton-on-Sea, but can be found in drier parts of the province), Free State, North West, and Limpopo. It invades savannas, grasslands, rangelands, riverbeds, dry streambeds, floodplains, and disturbed areas.

Derivation of name: 

• The genus name Prosopis is derived from the Greek word for "burdock" or "clinging," possibly referring to the spiny nature or some aspect of the fruit. 

• The species epithet glandulosa is Latin for "glandular," referring to the small glands found on the leaves (specifically at the base of the pinnae). 

• "Honey Mesquite" refers to the sweet taste of its pods.

Historical aspects: 

Prosopis glandulosa and other Prosopis species were introduced to South Africa from the late 19th to early 20th century, mainly for fodder (livestock feed), shade, firewood, and to combat soil erosion in arid and semi-arid regions. Its rapid growth, drought tolerance, and the edibility of its pods were seen as beneficial. However, its aggressive suckering, prolific seed production (aided by livestock dispersal), and deep roots quickly led to its widespread invasion, transforming vast areas of rangeland and becoming one of the most problematic invasive plants in the country.

Plant type: Deciduous shrub or small tree.

Plant family: Fabaceae (Legume or Pea family).

NEMBA status: Category 1b invasive species. This means it must be controlled or eradicated where possible, and it is illegal to plant, propagate, import, or otherwise possess this plant without a permit.

<br> Interesting facts:

• This plant is a true survivor! It has super deep roots that can reach down up to 60 metres to find water in really dry places – that's like a 20-storey building!

• Its pods are surprisingly sweet and were traditionally eaten by people in its native Mexico, earning it the name "Honey Mesquite." Just don't try to munch on the thorns!

• This tree is a master of disguise; it can grow as a small bush or a proper tree, and it loves to send out new shoots from its roots, making dense, thorny jungles!

• Livestock, like cows and goats, love to eat its sweet pods, but this actually helps the plant spread its seeds far and wide through their droppings!