mesquite

 
Pronunciation: /ˈmɛskiːt, mɛˈskiːt/

noun

  • a spiny tree or shrub of the pea family, native to arid regions of south-western US and Mexico. It yields timber, tanbark, medicinal products, and edible pods.
    • Genus Prosopis, family Leguminosae: several species

Origin:

mid 18th century: from Mexican Spanish mezquite