Prosopis africana

Prosopis africana is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae, native to Africa. It is commonly known as African mesquite or iron tree, due to its hard wood.

Description

Prosopis africana is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 20 meters tall. The bark is rough and grey, and the leaves are bipinnate, with small leaflets. The flowers are yellow and small, grouped in spikes. The fruit is a pod, containing several seeds.

Distribution and habitat

Prosopis africana is widely distributed across Africa, from Senegal in the west to Sudan in the east, and south to Angola and Mozambique. It is found in a variety of habitats, including savannah, woodland, and semi-desert areas.

Uses

The wood of Prosopis africana is highly valued for its hardness and durability. It is used for construction, furniture making, and as firewood. The tree is also a source of gum arabic, a substance used in the food industry and in traditional medicine. The leaves and pods are used as fodder for livestock.

Conservation

Prosopis africana is listed as a vulnerable species by the IUCN. The main threats to the species are habitat loss due to agriculture and overexploitation for timber and firewood.

See also

• List of African plants
• Fabaceae
• Gum arabic