Mesquite
Mesquite is a common name for some plants in the genera Neltuma and Strombocarpa, which contain over 50 species of spiny, deep-rooted leguminous shrubs and small trees.
The loss of North American megafauna at the end of the Pleistocene era gave way to one theory of how mesquites were able to survive.
Another is that mesquites had always been present in grasslands, but recurring fires had delayed plant and seed development before the emergence of livestock and grazing.
Scraps and small pieces are used commonly as wood for cooking with smoke in Western, South Central American states.
Their impacts on the invaded ecosystems include changes to hydrological, energy, and nutrient cycling, as well as consequences to biodiversity and primary production.
[2] Mesquite density and canopy cover influence the herbaceous layer and native shrubs and are factors in the changes to the ecosystem.
In the United States, mesquites have become the dominant woody plant on 38,000,000 hectares (94,000,000 acres) of semiarid grasslands.
[10] Its spread into grasslands is mostly attributed to the introduction of domestic livestock, although other factors include climate change, overgrazing, and the reduction of fire frequency.
Through digesting and excreting the seeds, the Indian wild asses are providing the habitat needed for germination.
By overtaking the land, the dense canopy cover of mesquite has made it so native vegetation cannot grow.
They have introduced multiple insects, but the most effective in causing high population level impact is the leaf-tying moth (Evippe spp.).
[15] The most recommended method for managing mesquites, both in native and introduced ranges, is by targeting large numbers of plants either through herbicide or physical removal.
Also, research is being done on using satellite and aerial images to assess canopy cover and determine which ranges should be targeted.
[16] The name 'mesquite' has also been misapplied in recent history to these Old World species, due to their previously considered congeneric affinity:
