African mesquite - Prosopis africana

Description and Uses

Prosopis africana (African mesquite) is a tropical tree from North Africa. It is mainly grown for its timber crops (long shelflife), The crop is harvested by hand picking. It starts flowering after 3 - 7 years. The tree`s wood is called African mesquite and has a density of 700 - 900 kg/m³. Regarding firewood production the tree`s growing speed is very slow, its energetic value is 4300 ckal/kg and the wood`s drying speed is fast; for firewood production it is not ideal. After 30 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Prosopis africana has a lifespan of 150 years.

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Environmental limitations

The tree is 18 meters tall. It is very slow growing and tolerates not less light than full sun. Prosopis africana has a deep root-system and forms symbiotic relations (endo-mycorrhiza). It is able to fix nitrogen with Brucellaceae bacteria. Prosopis africana is deciduous in dry season and a bit allelopathic and has thorns.

Prosopis africana thrives in an altitude of 0 to 1000 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 0°C and optimally between 20 - 36°C. The optimal rainfall is 700 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 300 - 800 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 5.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of all. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind and to fire a bit tolerant.

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Pests and Diseases

and diseases.

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Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 1 months. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

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