Neltuma is a genus of flowering plants in the pea family (Fabaceae). It includes 43 species native to the Americas, which were previously placed in genus Prosopis.[2] The species range from the southwestern and central United States through Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean, and South America to southern Argentina and Uruguay.[1] Along with related species in the genus Strombocarpa, some species are known as mesquites.
The tannins present in Neltuma species are of the pyrogallotannin and pyrocatecollic types.[10] The tannins are mainly found in the bark and wood, while their concentration in the pods is low.[11]
The species Neltuma pallida was introduced to Hawaii in 1828 and now dominates many of the drier coastal parts of the islands, where it is called the kiawe tree and is a prime source of monofloral honey production.[13]
In Australia, invasive Neltuma species are causing severe economic and environmental damage. With their thorns and many low branches, Neltuma shrubs form impenetrable thickets which prevent cattle from accessing watering holes, etc. They also take over pastoral grasslands and suck up scarce water. Neltuma species cause land erosion due to loss of grassland that are habitats for native plants and animals. Neltuma thickets also provide shelter for feral animals such as pigs and cats.[14]
Eradication
Eradicating Neltuma is difficult because the plant's bud regeneration zone can extend down to 6in (150mm) below ground level;[15][16] the tree can regenerate from a piece of root left in the soil.[15] Some herbicides are not effective or only partially effective against mesquite. Spray techniques for removal, while effective against short-term regrowth, are expensive, costing more than $70/acre ($170/hectare) in the USA. Removing large trees requires tracked equipment; costs can approach $2,000 per acre. In Australia, several techniques are used to remove Neltuma.[14]
↑ Rocha, R. G. A. (1988). "Prosopis juliflora as a source of food and medicine for rural inhabitants in Rio Grande do Norte". In Habit, M. A.; Saavedra, J. C. (eds.). The Current State of Knowledge on Prosopis juliflora. FAO. pp.397–403. hdl:20.500.14283/ad317e.
↑ Adikwu, MU; Ezeabasili, SI; Esimone, CO (2001). "Evaluation of the physico-chemical properties of a new polysaccharide gum from Prosopis africana". Bollettino Chimico Farmaceutico. 140 (1): 40–5. PMID11338777.
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