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The multiple purpose leguminous tree cuji (Prosopis juliflora (Swartz) D. C.) is very abundant in the dry zone of Venezuela. Its possibilities are not fully realized; however, selective cutting and deforestation are leading to the disappearance of the most productive individuals.

A literature review on the uses of the P. juliflora genera is presented, as well as an assessment of its productive potential in the dry ecosystems of Falcon State (Veneuela).

The information used for the ’cujizales’ typification was obtained from a previous ecological survey which aimed at providing an inventory of Falcon’s physical and biotic resources. The land units in which ’cuji’ is present were grouped in 12 Cartographic Units (UC) according to vegetation physiognomy. The UC are described in terms of climate vegetation, topography and soils. A P. juliflora weighted coverage index (ICP) is calculated for each UC, which provides an estimate of canopy biomass ranging from 0.0050 to 0.3038. With this figure and the data on pods yield/tree obtained from local dwellers, the potential productivity index (IPP) was calculated. It ranges from 0.0004 to 0.2127 kg pods/m2 of land and the production on an area basis was assessed for each UC shown on a map (1:250000).

Productive activities and management strategies are suggested. These depend on the properties of the P. juliflora populations and the ecosystem they occupy.