Status:
valid
Authors:
L.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1753
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl.: 518 (1753)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000165372
Common Names
- Sensitive Plant
- Touch-Me-Not
- Shy Plant
Synonyms
- Eburnax pudica (L.) Raf. [valid]
Description
Mimosa pudica (also called Sensitive Plant, among many other common names) is a species of flowering shrub native to South America. It has oval-shaped leaves and yellow flowers. It is found in the Amazon rainforest and other tropical and subtropical habitats.
Uses & Benefits
Mimosa pudica is used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments such as fever, inflammation, and skin diseases. It is also used as a dye for fabrics and as a food additive.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Mimosa pudica var. tetrandra (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) DC.
Mimosa pudica var. unijuga (Duchass. & Walp.) Griseb.
Mimosa pudica var. pudica
Mimosa pudica var. hispida Brenan
Mimosa pudica var. pastoris Barneby
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flowers of Mimosa pudica are pink and have five petals. The seeds are small, black and oval-shaped. The seedlings are small and have thin, light green leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Mimosa pudica is a fast-growing, annual herb. It is easy to propagate from seed. Seeds should be sown in spring or early summer in a warm, sunny spot. Both methods will result in a vigorous plant.
Where to Find Mimosa pudica
Mimosa pudica is native to the tropical regions of the Americas and can be found in areas of Mexico, Central America, and South America.
Mimosa pudica FAQ
What is the scientific name of Mimosa pudica?
Mimosa pudica
What is the common name of Mimosa pudica?
Sensitive Plant
What is the family of Mimosa pudica?
Fabaceae
Species in the Mimosa genus
Mimosa bimucronata,
Mimosa busseana,
Mimosa elliptica,
Mimosa invisa,
Mimosa latispinosa,
Mimosa mossambicensis,
Mimosa pigra,
Mimosa polydactyla,
Mimosa pudica,
Mimosa rubicaulis,
Mimosa scabrella,
Mimosa suffruticosa,
Mimosa antioquensis,
Mimosa lepidophora,
Mimosa parvifoliolata,
Mimosa acapulcensis,
Mimosa aculeaticarpa,
Mimosa adenocarpa,
Mimosa affinis,
Mimosa albolanata,
Mimosa alleniana,
Mimosa amambayensis,
Mimosa apodocarpa,
Mimosa argillotropha,
Mimosa aspera,
Mimosa bahamensis,
Mimosa barrancana,
Mimosa barretoi,
Mimosa benthamii,
Mimosa berroi,
Mimosa brachystachya,
Mimosa brevipetiolata,
Mimosa caerulea,
Mimosa cainguensis,
Mimosa calcicola,
Mimosa calliandroides,
Mimosa callithrix,
Mimosa campicola,
Mimosa canahuensis,
Mimosa candelabrum,
Mimosa coelocarpa,
Mimosa colombiana,
Mimosa congestifolia,
Mimosa corynadenia,
Mimosa cubatanensis,
Mimosa cuzcoana,
Mimosa cyclophylla,
Mimosa deamii,
Mimosa dryandroides,
Mimosa dutrae,
Species in the Fabaceae family