Mesquites (Prosopis species) are some of northern Australia’s worst weeds. They are a group of thorny shrubs and trees that aggressively replace grasslands and thornless shrubland. Most impacts are in pastoral and extensive grazing regions. Current infestations cover 800,000 hectares. Most of the arid to subhumid tropical areas of Australia are however climatically suitable for mesquite, particularly along watercourses and floodplains, although it may also grow on uplands and poses a threat to all areas with agricultural and conservation value. The major challenges for control of mesquites are to build on the existing achievements by landholders, researchers and States incontrolling infestations, to remove the current, and prevent the potential impacts on Australia.
Agriculture & Resource Management Council of Australia & New Zealand, Australian & New Zealand
Environment & Conservation Council and Forestry Ministers, (2001) Weeds of National Significance
Mesquite (Prosopis species) Strategic Plan. National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee,
Launceston.
