A Botanical Chandelier

While taking a stroll near a small lake recently, I happened across a tree that had what appeared to be little chandeliers of seed pods hanging from its branches. While I stood there marveling, I imagined Mr. Possum and Miss Armadillo having a little iced tea party at a table just below the seed pod chandelier.

Upon arriving home, I searched the internet trying to identify the tree, and I also consulted my Trees of Texas Field Guide, but I still don't know exactly what tree this is. My guess is a kind of mesquite or acacia. If you happen to have this piece of botanical knowledge between your auricles, please be kind enough to let your digits do the talking and share.