Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Genus:
Species:
microcephala
ID:
175250

Status:
valid

Authors:
Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1806

Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 1039 (1806)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000174579



Common Names

  • Mimosa microcephala
  • Roundhead Mimosa
  • Littlehead Mimosa


Searching for Mimosa microcephala? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Synonyms

  • Mimosa microcephala microcephala [unknown]

Description

Mimosa microcephala (also called Small-Headed Sensitive Plant, among many other common names) is a small, perennial shrub native to the tropical regions of Central and South America. It has small, fern-like leaves that fold inward when touched. It grows in open, sunny areas and is often found in disturbed areas, such as roadsides and pastures.

Uses & Benefits

Mimosa microcephala is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and for landscaping. It is also used medicinally to treat various ailments such as fever, headache, and stomachache.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Mimosa microcephala sub. microcephala
Mimosa microcephala sub. cataractae (Ducke) Barneby
Mimosa microcephala var. communis Barneby
Mimosa microcephala var. lumaria Barneby
Mimosa microcephala var. mituensis Barneby

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flowers of Mimosa microcephala are small, yellow, and fragrant. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are small, green, and have a single pair of leaves.

Searching for Mimosa microcephala? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Cultivation and Propagation

Mimosa microcephala is a fast-growing, deciduous shrub that can reach up to 10 feet in height. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is best done by seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in the spring and cuttings should be taken in the summer.

Where to Find Mimosa microcephala

Mimosa microcephala is native to South America and is found in Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay. It is also found in some parts of Central America and Mexico.

Mimosa microcephala FAQ

What is the scientific name of Mimosa microcephala?

Mimosa microcephala

What is the common name of Mimosa microcephala?

Small-headed Sensitive Plant

What is the habitat of Mimosa microcephala?

It is found in dry woods, thickets, and along roadsides

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

References

Carl Ludwig Willdenow (1765-1812): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Willd.' in the authors string.
Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Humb.' in the authors string.
Aimé Bonpland (1773-1858): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Bonpl.' in the authors string.