The
fertile Mesilla Valley extends from
Radium Springs, New Mexico, to the west side of
El Paso, Texas. The valley is characterized by its few remaining
bosques, as well as its native
cottonwood trees, and increasingly, by invasive
tamarisk, which was introduced in the late 19th century, and is known locally as
salt cedar. Due to the
fertile nature of the valley,
agriculture is a very important activity in this area. Stahmann Farms owns the world's largest
pecan orchard, located south of the city of
Las Cruces, New Mexico. Alfalfa,
cotton, chile, onions and
corn are other important cash
crops grown in the Mesilla Valley. The Mesilla Valley is also known for its
wine-producing capabilities, which originated with the Spanish exploration into
New Mexico. It was part of
Mexico until
Gadsden Purchase in 1853. ==Further reading==