The current circumscription of the genus contains three species found in northern Africa, the Middle East, Central and South Asia.

[4] Previously it also contained around 40 species of spiny trees and shrubs found in subtropical and tropical regions of the Americas and Africa.

They often thrive in arid soil and are resistant to drought, on occasion developing extremely deep root systems.

[5] The current circumscription of the genus contains three species, which are found in South Asia, the Middle East and northern Africa.

[22] The species Prosopis 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.

With their thorns and many low branches, Prosopis shrubs form impenetrable thickets which prevent cattle from accessing watering holes, etc.

Prosopis species cause land erosion due to loss of grassland that are habitats for native plants and animals.