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Prosopis L.

Genus composed of 44 species mostly American, but also with some species in SW Asia and Africa. Many of them are perfectly adapted to grow in very dry environments —they develop remarkable root systems— and can withstand brackish soils. In addition, some are used for their timber, for their carbohydrate content in the fruit or for ornamental value, among many others uses. In North Africa the genus is represented by P. farcta with Mediterranean-Saharan Distribution. Another species that is grown as an ornamental, especially in Libya, is P. juliflora DC.; a tree known as mesquite in its region of origin (Mexico, Central America and northern South America).

Updated by: J.A. Devesa.