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 Prosopis
glandulosa, commonly
known as Honey Mesquite inhabits over 55 million acres in Texas. Mature
trees grow to 40' with a short trunk up to 18" in diameter. Mesquite
generally grows as much horizontally as vertically and consequently do not
produce very long logs. Average lengths of boards are in the range of 4'
to 5'. Longer boards are available in limited supply. Some of the most
desirable wood attributes are found in Mesquite. It is very dense,
extremely hard, highly figured in a large percentage of its surface, and
has a rich, unique color. The most unusual and outstanding characteristic
of Mesquite, however, is its' natural stability. Wood in general is
considered to be dynamic medium to work with at best. Mesquite is
extremely stable. It will only move about 2% in a plane from completely
green to 6% moisture! The ratio between the tangential and radial
shrinkage is 1:1. This means that any movement that does take place does
so uniformly, without twisting, buckling, splitting or distorting the
board. Researchers have researched all the available literature on wood
species and cannot find any other wood that even comes close to Mesquites'
stability.
The primary defect in Mesquite is
evidence of a radial crack or wind shake that is present in virtually
every Mesquite log of any size. This is apparently due to the horizontal
growth characteristics of Mesquite and to the short brittle fibers that
make up the wood. This appears as a fine black line, at times opening into
an obvious crack. Its' extreme hardness and abrasion resistance give it a
life of many generations. Mesquite is also an excellent choice for doors,
especially exterior doors, cabinets and other furniture. Again the
qualities of hardness, beauty and stability make Mesquite a winner from
every point of view. Joints will never loosen as often happens with most
other woods, and the
 durability
and beauty will enable anything made of Mesquite to be passed down for
many generations.
(Information provided by “Native
Trees of Texas” Texas A & M Horticulture Education Department) |
