1. a spiny shrub or small tree of the pea family found in arid regions of southwestern North America, bearing edible pods
Usage: botanical

Examples

• The mezquite trees provided shade in the desert landscape.
• Cattle grazed on the sweet pods of the mezquite.
• The mezquite’s deep roots help it survive in dry conditions.
• Native Americans ground mezquite pods into flour.
• The mezquite wood is prized for barbecuing.
• Mezquite thorns can puncture tires on desert roads.