Algaroba, Pale mesquite
Prosopis pallida

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A spiny tree or shrub. It grows 4-10 m high. The trunk is twisted. The twigs usually have 1 or 2 straight spines in the axils of leaves. The leaflets are 2-4 times as long as wide. They are rough. The flowers are green or yellow. The pods are smooth. They are 5-25 cm long and about 1 cm wide. They are yellowish-brown. The seeds are brown.

Also as Mimosaceae. It can be invasive.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows naturally on red alluvial soils and coastal plains. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Central America, Colombia, East Timor, Ecuador, Hawaii, Kiribati, Marquesas, Mexico, Pacific, Peru, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South America, Timor-Leste, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The sweet pods are made into syrup used in drinks.

It is an important food.

Edible parts

Pods, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Algarrobo, American carob, Bayahonda, Huarango, Kiawe

Synonyms

Acacia pallida Willd.; Mimosa pallida Poir.; Prosopis limensis Benth.;