Water Mimosa
Neptunia oleracea Lour.
Neptunia oleracea is a flowering plant in the Fabaceae family, commonly known as Water Mimosa. It is a pantropical, nitrogen-fixing perennial legume. The genus name and common name derive from Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, reflecting the aquatic nature of some species in the genus.
Description
Neptunia oleracea is a species in the Fabaceae family, known for its aquatic or semi-aquatic growth habit. It is a perennial legume that contributes to soil fertility through nitrogen fixation. The plant is native to tropical regions and is sometimes called sensitive neptunia due to its responsive leaf movements. The name 'Water Mimosa' reflects its similarity in appearance and behavior to the sensitive plant, Mimosa pudica. The genus name Neptunia honors Neptune, the sea god, acknowledging the aquatic characteristics of certain species in the genus.
Other common names
Water Mimosa
Synonyms
Aeschynomene pumilaDesmanthus lacustrisDesmanthus natansMimosa aquaticaDesmanthus stoloniferMimosa stoloniferaAeschynomene herbaceaAcacia lacustrisNeptunia stoloniferaMimosa lacustrisNeptunia natansMimosa natansMimosa aquatica
