Common Names: Mimosa, sensitiva, sensitive plant, dorme, dormidera, humble plant, marie-honte, mayhont, morivivi, honteuse, sleeping grass, ti mawi, touch-me-not

General Description: Mimosa is a genus that includes a number of somewhat different species, all referred to as 'Mimosa'. There are 400 tropical species of Mimosa that include grasses, bushes, lianas and trees. Mimosa pudica is native to Brazil. This evergreen shrub is actually more like an annual than a perennial. It is an interesting and curious plant; when touched, the leaves fold up and droop. Then when left alone, the leaves open again. Its stems are prickly; flowers are small, pink, fluffy balls.

Mimosa pudica grows to about five feet high and spreads about three feet.

Uses: Mimosa is a prolific seed bearing plant. Its seeds are coated with an almost impenetrable covering that permits them to remain dormant for several seasons. Mimosa frequently emerges in disturbed areas, having spread from seeds from nearby plants. Mimosa tolerates partial shade but is seldom found in heavily canopied rainforests It also does not grow above 3,000 feet because of cold temperatures. The pink showy flowers are fragrant and after flowering, small bean pods develop that contain seeds that disperse to become future plants. Mimosa pudica is known primarily as a decorative plant.

Mimosa pudica is common in several landscapes, including moist waste ground, lawns, open plantations, and weedy thickets. Insects and parasites are frequently found on this plant, and if too numerous, the plant does not survive.

Mimosa pigra, a cousin to Mimosa pudica, is a woody shrub from Central America that grows to 13-15 feet high and is considered by some as a noxious tree because it is so invasive. This species is used as an ornamental in warm climates.

Another species is known as silk tree. This one is small, growing from 10 to 50 feet in height, and having several trunks. This variety also has very showy, fragrant, pink flowers. Mimosa currently is found throughout the eastern and southwestern United States.

Disclaimer: The statements contained herein have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any reference to medicinal use is not intended to treat, cure, mitigate or prevent any disease.

Tony Mandarich