Nonie correctly identified last week’s mystery seed pod as being from a mesquite.
We commonly call them screwbean mesquites because of the spiraling seed pod. The scientific name is Prosopis pubescens. These mesquites are small trees. They have lovely yellow flowers.
For more information and photographs, see The University of Arizona’s Master Gardener page on Screwbean Mesquite
Can I use your photo of the screw bean mesquite from your December 22, 2009 blog post for a book I am writing of contemplations. If yes, can you email me a high resolution photo for print publications along with how you would like it attributed?
Thank you.
Kathyrn, I will contact you via e-mail.