Prosopis Juliflora — Identification, Uses and Properties
Prosopis juliflora Fabaceae
Valued for durable posts, flooring, and high-quality furniture. Also a major source of fuel and charcoal in arid regions.
HARDWOOD SOUTH AMERICA FLOORING
Taxonomy & Nomenclature
Botanical Name(s)
Prosopis juliflora
Family
Fabaceae
Wood type
Hardwood
Local Names
Mesquite (USA), Mathenge (Kenya), Algarrobo (Mexico)
Origin Region
South America
Main End Uses
Flooring · Firewood · Turned items · Cabinetry · Furniture · Fence posts · Charcoal · Parquetry
Wood Identification Guide
Reference Colour
Yellowish brown to dark brown
Texture
Medium to coarse
Grain
Straight or wavy
Sapwood
Narrow and pale yellow
Notes
Heartwood tends to be a yellowish brown to dark brown, deepening with age. Sapwood is clearly separated and pale yellow. Grain is straight or wavy with a medium to coarse texture and a slight natural sheen. Features diffuse-porous or semi-ring-porous arrangement with medium to large pores.
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Log Description
Tree height
50 – 65 ft
Tree height
15 – 20 m
Diameter
120 cm
Sapwood Thickness
Narrow cm
Buoyancy
Floats
Diameter
47.2 in
Sapwood Thickness
Narrow in
Physical & Mechanical Properties
Density
800 g/cm³ @ 12% MC
Density
49.9 lb/ft³
Monnin Hardness
2,620
Janka Hardness
2,620 lbf
Janka Hardness
11,654 N
Volumetric Shrinkage Coefficient
12.6 % / %
Tangential Shrinkage
8.1 %
Radial Shrinkage
4.6 %
T/R Anisotropy Ratio
1.8
Crushing Strength
67.3 MPa
Crushing Strength
9,761 psi
Bending Strength (MOR)
115.5 MPa
Bending Strength (MOR)
16,752 psi
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
12,130 MPa
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE)
1,759,308 psi
Durability & Treatment
Resistance to Decay
Durable to very durableDry Wood Borers
VulnerableTermites
VulnerableTreatability
ImpregnableSawing & Machining
Machining Tools
Hand and machine tools
Notes
Easy to work when clear and defect-free; knots or irregular grain can be challenging. Glues, turns, and finishes well.CITES & Trade Restrictions
CITES Status
Unlisted
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Completeness: 7.4 / 10