Mesquite wood (Prosopis nigra), Black Mesquite comes from trees native to South America, Mexico and Argentina. The sapwood is yellowish to yellow-brown, while the heartwood is reddish brown to chocolate brown in contrast, the color darkens with age. The wood is porous with a rather coarse texture, open pores and has a slight natural luster. Black Mesquite is very rot resistant and durable, it is hard and quite heavy, about 825 kg/m3.
Because of its attractive wood, black mesquite is widely logged, and since it is very fast growing, this does not pose a threat to stocks.
The wood is widely used for flooring, woodturning, boat building and unique furniture, it is popular as firewood and sought after for its smoky aroma for smoking meat and fish.
