Screwbean (Noun)
Meaning
Shrub or small tree of southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico having spirally twisted pods.
Classification
Nouns denoting plants.
Examples
- The screwbean is a common sight in the desert landscapes of the southwestern United States, where it can grow up to 20 feet tall.
- Screwbean pods are often harvested for use as a natural source of fiber, but the seeds themselves are edible and can be eaten raw or roasted.
- Hikers often have to push through thick clusters of screwbean shrubs as they navigate through the dry riverbeds of the desert.
- Screwbean mesquite, as it is sometimes called, has become an important plant in efforts to re-vegetate and restore desert habitats.
- Despite its potential uses, screwbean has also been considered a weed in some parts of its range, due to its tendency to crowd out other vegetation.