Description
Mimosa piresii (also called 'Giant Sensitive Plant', among many other common names) is a perennial shrub or small tree native to Brazil. It has a greyish-green bark and its leaves are composed of many small leaflets. It grows in dry forests and savannas, as well as in disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Mimosa piresii is a popular ornamental plant, often used in gardens and parks. It is also used for its medicinal properties, such as treating skin conditions and digestive issues.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Mimosa piresii is a yellow puffball, and the seed is a small, dark brown, flattened, oval-shaped seed. The seedlings are small, with two opposite leaflets and a short stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Mimosa piresii is an annual plant that is best grown from seed. The seeds should be sown in spring, in a sunny location with well-drained soil. The seedlings should be thinned to a spacing of 8-12 inches apart. The plants should be watered regularly and fertilized every few weeks. Propagation can also be done by division in the spring or by cuttings taken in the summer.
Where to Find Mimosa piresii
Mimosa piresii is native to Central and South America. It can be found in tropical and subtropical regions, including Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay, and Argentina.