Hardwood Floors April/May 2019

SPECIES SPECS Me s qu i t e RESOURCES

Prosopis spp. ORIGIN:

The Prosopis spp. genus (mesquite) family represents a genus of flowering plants in the pea family, Fabaceae. There are about 45 species of trees and shrubs that are native to North America, South America, Central America, Africa, and Asia. The most common mesquite used in North America is the honey mesquite, most common in Texas. Mesquite is listed by the USDA in North America as a noxious weed. Also, some species of mesquite hold fluorescent qualities. Some wood species, when exposed to black lights, will absorb and emit light in different visible wavelengths. USES: Used in flooring, furniture, mill work, cabinetry, decorative turnery, and barbecue smoking. COLOR: The heartwood can be a deep and rich golden to reddish or chocolate brown. The sapwood can be pale to yellowish/white to lemon colored. GRAIN: The grain has a fine- to medium-textured open-grain, ranging from straight to wavy. It is a diffuse-porous grain with narrow to wider rays. The wood has a natural luster and may have ingrown bark and mineral streaks. Mesquite is commonly used as end- grain blocks due to its stability and aesthetic characteristics.

Illustration Copyright by Robert O’Brien and courtesy of Texas A&M Forest Service.

HARDNESS (JANKA): Average = 2345

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