Abstract
P. glandulosa is a small to medium-sized thorny evergreen tree, native to northern Mexico (P. glandulosa is one of the most common tree species in Mexico) and the southwestern USA, mainly from California to Texas. It has also been widely introduced, but is most common as an exotic in Australia and South Africa. In Mexico, P. glandulosa wood is used for rustic construction projects, railroad ties and posts, and as firewood. P. glandulosa is an excellent soil improver; P. glandulosa foliage deposit an important layer of organic material as it fixes atmospheric nitrogen and its roots control the movement of dunes. In Mexico it is also used as forage for domestic animals, it serves as habitat for wildlife, it is used for bee forage, and its fruit is edible. The main uses of this species where exotic are for fodder, fuelwood, as a roadside, hedging, ornamental or shade tree, for dune retention, and for timber for cheap furniture. P. glandulosa is very invasive, and is seen as a weed on Mexican livestock ranges, in the USA, and where introduced.