Mesquite (Prosopis pallida)
Mesquite flower
Mesquite is declared a Class A (to be eradicated) and Class C (not to be introduced to the Northern Territory) weed in accordance with the NT Weeds Management Act 2001. Mesquite is also a Weed of National Significance.
Mesquite is native to North and South America. This plant was imported into Australia as an ornamental plant and for use in soil stabilisation programs.
Mesquite degrades the natural environment and imposes restrictions on pastoral activities. Thorny thickets impede mustering, movement of stock and access to water. Trees along watercourses use valuable water and provide seed to further spread the weed. Infestations of mesquite can also lead to reduced pasture as very little undergrowth survives, being unable to compete for water. Furthermore the spines are capable of injuring stock. Once established along water courses and bore drains Mesquite spreads out into adjacent grasslands. Mesquite seeds can lie dormant in the soil for many years, making eradication extremely difficult.
Currently Mesquite is distributed throughout north western Queensland, the Northern Territory and northern Western Australia. Mesquite has had the most significant impact on the northern Mitchell Grass downs of Queensland where it is replacing valuable grazing grass with impenetrable thorny shrub land.
In the Barkly district and in the greater Katherine region Mesquite occurs only as scattered, isolated low level infestations. Control works have been carried out on these infestations. Follow up work will continue on these sites until the plants are eradicated. Monitoring of likely sites in the Territory will remain ongoing.
Mesquite tree
photos courtesy of Nathan March DPI Qld
* Mesquite should not be confused with mimosa bush (Acacia farnesiana), which has brown-black, hairless, cigar shaped seed pods, grey bark with prominent white spots and zig-zag shaped branches.
