Neltuma (weeds)
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Author(s): Francisco Manuel Blanco
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Neltuma Raf. - (mesquite)
This genus of leguminous shrubs and trees contains around 45 species. On one side their growth is or has been promoted in arid areas of some countries because of their drought resistance, their hard wood and their pods being used as food for livestock. On the other hand they can be invasive and several species have become serious weeds of rangelands, e.g. in North America and South Africa. This page deals with the weedy species.
The root system can grow to a depth of 30-50 m. The branches of several species have long thorns. The flowers are small, greenish-yellow and arranged in cylindrical spikes. The pods are curved and contain 10-20 seeds.
The species of Neltuma have been (and often still are) classified in the genus Prosopis, but see the studies by Hughes et al. (2022).
Type species: Neltuma juliflora
Currently, the following species have been entered into the system:
