Tall mesquite
Prosopis elata

Family: Fabaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 4 m tall. It has spines. The leaves are 1.5-3.5 cm long with 15-28 leaflets along the stalk. These are 2-6 mm long by about 1 mm wide. The flowering heads are 2-7 cm long. The pods are 6-9 cm long by 6-8 mm wide.

Also as Mimosaceae.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. In Argentina it grows below 400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay, South America (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten fresh. They are also powdered or soaked and made into balls often along with Prosopis alba.

Edible parts

Fruit, pods

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Ajwentyek, Ajwentak, Kitiitak

Synonyms

Prosopis campestris var. elata Burkart;