Prosopis laevigata, commonly known as smooth mesquite, is a species of flowering tree in the pea family, Fabaceae, that is native to Mexico, Bolivia, Peru, and north-western Argentina (Jujuy Province).[2] In Mexico, the species is found in the nation's the central highlands, the lowlands of southern Tamaulipas, and in parts of Oaxaca, Morelos, Puebla, and Chiapas. It grows on a variety of sites on hillslides, in depressions, and along floodplains.[3] It has been spotted growing in the Middle East as well.[citation needed]