Prosopis velutina – Dithyramb

Untitled.

Vermilion flycatcher (Pyrocephalus rubinus) on a tender new velvet mesquite twig (Prosopis velutina). At San Pedro House.

Tender. Green.

New growth on velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina) at San Pedro House.

Etymology note: The specific name velutina refers to the velvety hairs on the stems and leaves, visible in this back-lit photo. Pubescent foliage is uncommon in most other mesquites.

Catkin closeup.

Velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina), Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, Phoenix, Arizona.

Catkin closeup.

Velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina), Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, Phoenix, Arizona.

Catkins on velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina), at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area in Phoenix, Arizona.

Giant mesquite bug (Thasus neocalifornicus) on velvet mesquite (Prosopis velutina), at Hassayampa River Preserve, Wickenburg, Arizona. This insect is in its final instar, and is about 2 inches (5 cm) long.