|
|
 |
| young leaf | mature leaves |
 |
 |
| habit--mesquite usually branches extensively from the base | thorns and young leaves |
 |
 |
| the thorns of mesquite are paired at each node | the roadsides of Texas can be littered with dead mesquite branches like this, so be careful where you step! |
|
|
 |
| cluster of inflorescences--mesquite is a mimosoid legume in which the receptacle is elongated such that it does not have the "pom-pon" inflorescence typical of other mimosoid legumes | part of an inflorescence closeup, showing individual flowers--notice that the stamens are the showiest part of these flowers |
|
|
 |
| fruits--what kind of fruit what this be? | fruits closeup--meal can be made from the seeds of mesquite |
