Fabaceae
Prosopis juliflora
Mesquite · Mathenge
S
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This thorny, evergreen shrub or small tree can reach up to 15 metres tall, often presenting multiple zig-zag stems and sharp thorns up to 5 cm long. It features bipinnate, light green leaves and produces sweetly scented, greenish-yellow flowers in cylindrical spikes. The fruit consists of flattened, curved, straw-coloured pods, each containing 10-20 seeds embedded in a sugary pulp.
Where it works in Kilifi
Prosopis juliflora is considered one of the world's most damaging invasive species and has been declared a noxious weed in Kenya, actively threatening Kilifi's coastal ecosystems. Therefore, planting this species in Kilifi-coast gardens or landscapes is strongly discouraged due to its aggressive spread and detrimental ecological impacts.
Growing notes
This species exhibits a fast growth rate and, once established, is exceptionally drought-resistant, surviving off groundwater and tolerating long dry seasons as well as seasonal waterlogging. However, it is an aggressive invader that forms dense, thorny thickets, outcompeting native vegetation, depleting water resources, and harming livestock and human health through its thorns.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: tropicalforages.info, arocha.or.ke, feedipedia.org, theferns.info, invasive.org, arizona.edu. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.