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Wordless Wednesday: Touch-me-not!

By Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!

Real Estate Agent with Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 UT DRE# 6541633-SA00

November 09, 2011 12:58 AM

Wordless Wednesday: Touch-me-not!

Look but don't dare touch this plant unless you wish to be speared by its spiky points that are hidden among fern-like leaves. Birds flitter with ease over, around under and through the foliage, easily escaping its needle-like tips.

This Honeybean Mesquite tree has a built-in defense system that sprouts 3 inch spikes that have been known to puncture tennis shoes and tires. The wood from the tree is used to create a smoky flavor to meats when barbecuing.

Now, do you see why this is a touch-me-not type of plant?

I'll gladly comply.

Happy Wednesday to you all!

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Will Hamm

Hamm Homes - Aurora, CO

"Where There's a Will, There's a Way!"

Wanda, Look but don't touch, how do you plant these guys? Now sure if I would want one in my backyard.

Nov 09, 2011 01:21 AM

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!

Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT

St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Sheila, This tree grows all abou the southwest and in South America too.

Peggy, I thought it was interesting to find out about the Mesquite flavor as well.

Will, They are a decorative tree used in desert landscaping. It would make a good border to keep everything out!

Nov 09, 2011 01:25 AM

Than Maynard

Coldwell Banker Heart of Oklahoma - Purcell, OK

Broker - Licensed to List & Sell - 405-990-8862

Never heard of that particular tree. Doesn't sound too nice to be around.

Nov 09, 2011 03:14 AM

John Cannata

214-728-0449 http://TexasLoanGuy.com - Frisco, TX

Texas Home Mortgage - Purchase or Refinance

Geez. I would never have known. Not sure I'll ever run into this type of tree, but honestly I hardly ever look closely at a tree before I touch it.

Nov 09, 2011 04:02 AM

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!

Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT

St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Than, My husband uses Mesquite chips when adding a smoky flavor to fish or other meats but the branches couls put a hurt on you.

John, The trees are beautiful when in bloom but make me think twice about touching them at all!

Nov 09, 2011 04:10 AM

Todd Clark - Retired

eXp Realty LLC - Tigard, OR

Principle Broker Oregon

Sounds nice for a BBQ, but I certainly wouldn't want to grab it wrong. But, a spike that goes through shoes and tires? Now, that is one tough plant!

Nov 09, 2011 04:16 AM

Diane Daley

Caron's Gateway Real Estate - Northumberland, NH

Those thorns look like they could do some harm... I won't touch...

Nov 09, 2011 05:36 AM

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!

Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT

St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Todd, I have never seen spikes like this on a tree and was surprised to be as close as I was!

Diane, I will admire from a good distance too!

Nov 09, 2011 07:59 AM

Michael and Cheron Lange

Solutions Real Estate - Chandler, AZ

Associate Broker, GRI

I absolutely loved your blog title Wanda! :) The thorns of that tree remind me of the bouganvilla's that we have here in the desert...and they have quite the thorns. Ouch!

Nov 09, 2011 09:17 AM

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!

Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT

St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Michael & Cheron, Bouganvilla's remind me of "Beauty and the Beast" because of that very reason! Thank you for stopping by.

Nov 09, 2011 01:05 PM

Jennifer Fivelsdal

JFIVE Home Realty LLC | 845-758-6842|162 Deer Run Rd Red Hook NY 12571 - Rhinebeck, NY

Mid Hudson Valley real estate connection

Wanda I know when to take a hint I won't get close:) those spikes looks deadly. Thanks for the interesting tidbit.

Nov 09, 2011 01:45 PM

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!

Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT

St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Jennifer, Even brushing up against it could cause injury I'm sure. I am such a safety monitor at heart!

Nov 09, 2011 01:54 PM

Richard Iarossi

Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage - Crofton, MD

Crofton MD Real Estate, Annapolis MD Real Estate

Wanda,

Those are pretty good defenses to have for a plant.

Rich

Nov 09, 2011 02:38 PM

Chris Smith

Re/Max Chay Realty Inc., Brokerage - New Tecumseth, ON

South Simcoe, Caledon, King, Orangeville Real Esta

Wanda, I have enjoyed mesquite smoked meats many times, but have never seen the tree... thanks

Nov 09, 2011 03:58 PM

Dee Mayers

Covina, CA

San Gabriel Valley, CA

I've got one word, ouch!

Nov 09, 2011 06:38 PM

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!

Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT

St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Rich, The message is loud and clear...stay away!

Chris, I thought this was an interesting tree but one to look at, not touch!

Dee, Yes and I shy away from sharp objects!

Nov 10, 2011 01:28 AM

Debbie Walsh

SHAHAR Management - Middletown, NY

Hudson Valley NY Real Estate 845.283-3036

Wow the size of those thorns is unbelievable! I don't think I have seen thorns that big before. Definitely an OUCH! plant.

Nov 10, 2011 07:29 AM

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!

Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT

St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Debra, You could probably put a eye on the end of one of those thorns and sew leather with it!

Nov 10, 2011 07:41 AM

Kristin Hamilton CA REALTOR

Berkshire Hathaway California Realty - Beaumont, CA

(909) 557-6966- Specialize 55+ Communties Banning

Hi Wanda,

I have never seen a mesquite tree before and those thorns look extremely painful. Glad the birds can dodge them. I will remember those thorns so I do not stick myself in the future. Could be very dangerous!

Nov 10, 2011 09:21 AM

Wanda Kubat-Nerdin - Wanda Can!

Red Rock Real Estate (435) 632-9374 - St. George, UT

St. George Utah Area Residential Sales Agent

Kristin, There is a reason for the spiky nature of this tree...not sure what it/they may be!

Nov 10, 2011 09:53 AM