Genus Prosopis (Noun)
Meaning
Genus of tropical or subtropical branching shrubs or trees: mesquite.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The mesquite genus Prosopis has been widely naturalized in many parts of the world and is now found in Africa, Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
- Genus Prosopis plants can survive extreme heat and drought with some species producing edible seeds that can be ground into a flour for baking.
- Mesquite from the genus Prosopis is a popular material for barbecue and creating fine hardwood furniture due to its rich, reddish-brown color and strong, durable quality.
- Species within the genus Prosopis are mostly deciduous with a unique characteristic needle-like leaf structure that varies greatly in shape among the different species.
- The genus Prosopis has been a valuable natural resource for many indigenous cultures both historically and currently, providing food, shelter, and medicine.