Mimosa

Mimosa Facts

• The Mimosa forms a rather highly popular ornamental type of tree. This plant species produces seeds in vast numbers and also sprouts quickly when cut.
• Roughly fifty known extant species of this tree exist at this time. The endemic habitat range of the various species includes tropical portions of Asia, Africa, and Australia.
• The species was also introduced into the United States in 1745. After that, the Mimosa quickly established itself in the wild in California in the west, and from Virginia to Louisiana in the south and southeast.
• The species remains typically relatively short-lived in comparison to other species of tree. Yet the seeds, however, seem capable of remaining dormant for many years, then sprouting when they acquire the proper conditions.

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Mimosa Physical Description

The various forms of Mimosa attain widely varying sizes. The majority of species reach heights ranging between 20-40 ft (6-12 m).

This genus of tree grows rather rapidly. Many types of Mimosa grow from a seedling to a height of 3 ft (1 m) in a single season.

Depending upon which member of the genus one observes, it will also produce either a single trunk or multiple trunks. The bark of the Mimosa most commonly remains thin, predominantly smooth in texture, and light in color.

The leaves develop as deciduous and range from 5-8 in (12.5-20 cm) in length. The blooms typically have a feathery nature and a  bright pink color. These typically develop in large numbers.

The fruit has a light brown color and an oval shape.

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Phylum: Angiosperms
• Class: Eudicots
• Order: Fabales
• Family: Fabaceae
• Genus: Mimosa

Mimosa Ecology and Habitat

All species of Mimosa spread prolifically. Each appears capable of growing in a wide range of environmental conditions. All also produce seeds in large quantities. These easily get spread by either wind, animals or water.

This plant genus will tolerate partial shade but prefer full sunlight. For that reason, most rarely develop in areas of thick forest.

The Mimosa rarely occurs at elevations of more than 3,000 ft (900 m) above sea level.

In many riparian areas in the United States, this plant is considered an invasive pest.

Its reproductive capacities in such environments also often lead to its overtaking native flora species.

Species Sharing Its Range

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