Status:
valid
Authors:
Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1806
Citation Micro:
Sp. Pl., ed. 4, 4: 1036 (1806)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000174643
Common Names
- Mimosa somnians
- Giant Sensitive Plant
- Giant Sensitive Tree
Synonyms
- Mimosa somnians somnians [unknown]
Description
Mimosa somnians (also called 'Sleepy Sensitive Plant', among many other common names) is a small, perennial shrub native to South America. It has small, bipinnate leaves and pinkish-white flowers. It is found in dry, open areas and is often used as an ornamental plant.
Uses & Benefits
Mimosa somnians is used as an ornamental plant and for its medicinal properties. It is also used as a natural insect repellent and for soil erosion control.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Mimosa somnians var. velascoensis (Harms) Barneby
Mimosa somnians var. leptocaulis (Benth.) Barneby
Mimosa somnians var. somnians
Mimosa somnians var. aquatica Barneby
Mimosa somnians var. lasiocarpa (Benth.) Barneby
Mimosa somnians var. lupulina (Benth.) Barneby
Mimosa somnians var. possensis Barneby
Mimosa somnians var. deminuta Barneby
Mimosa somnians var. longipes (Barneby) Barneby
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Mimosa somnians has yellow flowers with a diameter of 1-2 cm. The seeds are brown, flat and oval-shaped, with a length of 2-3 mm. The seedlings are very small, with two cotyledons and a pair of leaflets.
Cultivation and Propagation
Mimosa somnians is a small evergreen shrub that can reach up to 3 feet in height. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Propagation is best done by seed, which should be sown in spring or early summer. Cuttings can also be taken in late summer or early autumn.
Where to Find Mimosa somnians
Mimosa somnians is native to South America, primarily Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It can be found in dry, open areas, such as grasslands, savannas, and scrublands.
Mimosa somnians FAQ
What is the scientific name of Mimosa somnians?
Mimosa somnians
What is the common name of Mimosa somnians?
Somnians Mimosa
What is the natural habitat of Mimosa somnians?
Tropical and subtropical forests
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