The thorny mesquite tree is great for cooking up Texas bar-b-que. Nothing gives brisket a better flavor. Now a group of researchers from Texas A&M wants to turn mesquite into cellulosic ethanol.

The thorns on native Texas mesquite trees are so large, they’ve been known to puncture car tires. William Luther /Staff photographer.

Such is the mesquite’s capacity for wreaking havoc that it’s seemingly even contributed to the spread of malaria. “If you could potentially manage it better, it might be ok, but you can’t.