Weed profile: Mesquite
Mesquite bush (above)
and detail (below)
Mesquite
Prosopis species
There are four species and several hybrids of Prosopis, which are all collectively known as mesquite. Mesquite’s economic impacts stem from its habit of forming dense, impenetrable thickets which, combined with its large thorns, prevent stock accessing watering holes and make mustering difficult.
Mesquite also reduces the productivity of pastoral country by taking over grasslands and using valuable water resources. Other nuisances from mesquite include damage to animal hooves and vehicle tyres from thorns, and the poisoning of livestock which consume excessive amounts of seed pods.
Status
- Declared in NSW under the Noxious Weeds Act 1993 (view details)
- Weed of National Significance (definition)