bashfulplant

Mimosa pigra L.

Mimosa pigra, a member of the Fabaceae family, is a shrub or subshrub native to a wide range of regions in South America and parts of Africa. It is commonly known as the giant sensitive tree and is distinguished by its sensitivity to touch, a trait typical of the genus Mimosa. The plant is found in diverse habitats, particularly in riverbanks and lakeshores, and is reported in several countries, including Colombia, Brazil, and Angola. It is used for making artefacts and has medicinal applications. Conservation status is listed as Least Concern (LC) by the IUCN.

Description

Mimosa pigra is a shrub or subshrub that grows in wetland environments, such as the banks of rivers and lakes. It is known for its delicate, fern-like leaves that close when touched, a characteristic that contributes to its common name, 'bashfulplant.' The plant is reported to have local uses in the production of artefacts and in traditional medicine. In Angola, it is referred to as 'kalumbi.' Despite its widespread distribution and ecological adaptability, it is considered to be of least concern in terms of conservation status.

Habitat

Mimosa pigra thrives in moist environments, particularly along the banks of rivers and lakes. It is commonly found in wetland ecosystems and is adapted to a range of climatic conditions. The plant is reported to occur in various regions of South America, including Colombia, where it is found in the Cordillera Occidental and other subregions, as well as in parts of Africa such as Angola. It is also present in several other countries, including Brazil, and is associated with diverse ecological zones, including subxerophytic enclaves and protected areas such as national parks.

Cultivation

While Mimosa pigra is not widely cultivated, it is known to grow naturally in wetland habitats and can be found in disturbed areas. Its ability to thrive in moist environments makes it suitable for cultivation in similar conditions. However, due to its sensitivity to touch and its native habitat preferences, it may not be commonly grown in traditional agricultural settings. In some regions, it is used in local crafts and may be propagated for these purposes.

Uses

Mimosa pigra has a range of traditional uses, including the production of artefacts and in medicinal applications. In Angola, it is used for making items such as tools or decorative objects, and it is also employed in local medicine. The plant's sensitivity to touch and its attractive foliage may also make it a subject of interest in botanical studies and ecological research. However, its primary value lies in its ecological role in wetland environments and its potential for use in local crafts and traditional healing practices.

Other common names

Black mimosabashfulplantsensitive-plantthorny sensitive-plantcatclaw mimosagiant sensitive-plantgiant sensitive-tree

Distribution

Complejo Humedales Hato Corozal. Cienaga Zapatosa · Amazonas, Antioquia, Atlántico, Bolívar, Boyacá, Cauca, Chocó, Córdoba, Cundinamarca, Huila, La Guajira, Magdalena, Santander, Sucre, Valle del Cauca · BR · Subregiones: Cordillera occidental, Cordillera central, Norte, Zona central, Sur, Enclaves subxerofíticos · Santuario de Flora y Fauna Los Colorados Vía Parque Isla de Salamanca | Parque Nacional Natural Los Katíos · Distrito Regional de Manejo Integrado (DRMI) Laguna de Sonso, municipio de Guadalajara de Buga, Valle del Cauca, Colombia · TW · MM · ZA · LK · LC · EG · CU · BN · BI · VC · KH · CD · BW · TD · ET · SZ · TH · BF · Zacapa Finca Palmares de Zacapa · KM · FM · JM · VN · MU