Contorted mesquite pod

One of the most common trees in Texas is the honey mesquite, Prosopis glandulosa. Members of the legume family produce seed pods, and in this species the pods are especially long. This one was colorful and constricted in so unusual a way that I couldn’t resist photographing it up close. No doubt some of you with active imaginations will see this as the long neck, tapering head, and long-lanced beak of some fantastic creature.

Today’s picture is from September 22 on what is thankfully still undeveloped land between Josh Ridge Blvd. and Harris Ridge Blvd. on the prairie in northeast Austin.

© 2015 Steven Schwartzman