Case study: Autoecology, biodiversity and adaptive characteristics of Prosopis in the Arizona region

Mesquite is the most common shrub/tree in the desert/arid regions of the world. Three common species are known: honey mesquite Prosopis glandulosa, screwbean mesquite, also called Prosopis pubescens and velvet mesquite or Prosopis velutina. The desert region of Arizona contains P. glandulosa and P. velutina. Mesquites are drought-resistant and adapted to arid regions. Different methods are used to control the spread of mesquites, such as planned burns, herbicides or physical removal. These are highly costly and cause potential environmental hazards. Mesquites possess a number of adaptive traits for survival in the desert environment. Their thorns are sharply pointed and strong to protect against desert herbivores. Their leaves are small and wax-coated to minimize transpiration. This chapter attempts to make an overview of a few aspects of the distribution pattern, plant architecture, ecophysiology and biodiversity of Prosopis at a few places in Arizona, USA.