About Mimosa diplotricha C.Wright
Mimosa diplotricha C.Wright grows as an erect shrub or scrambling climber, reaching a height of about 3 m (9.8 ft). Its leaves are bipinnate, bright green, and have a feathery appearance. The leaves are arranged alternately along the stems. Each leaf holds around twenty pairs of small, sessile, lanceolate leaflets that are arranged opposite each other. Every leaflet measures roughly 6 to 12 mm (0.24 to 0.47 in) long and 1.5 mm (0.059 in) wide. Just like the related species Mimosa pudica, the leaves of Mimosa diplotricha are sensitive to touch and will curl up when disturbed. Stems of this species are characteristically very long, with a squarish cross-section and four lengthwise running ridges. A dense row of very sharp, recurved thorns, each 3 to 6 mm (0.12 to 0.24 in) long, grows along these ridges. The flowers are pale pink, shaped like clustered fluffy balls, around 12 mm (0.47 in) in diameter, and grow from short stalks emerging at leaf joints. The corolla is fused (gamopetalous), and there are two stamens for every petal. After flowering, the plant develops clustered, slightly curved seed pods. Each seed pod is roughly flat, covered in small prickles, and measures around 10 to 35 mm (0.39 to 1.38 in) long and 6 mm (0.24 in) wide. The seeds are oval and flat, each around 2 to 2.5 mm (0.079 to 0.098 in) long and 0.6 to 1.4 mm (0.024 to 0.055 in) thick. They are light brown with a polished appearance, and are dispersed by running water or by sticking to animal fur or human clothing. Seeds can remain dormant for up to 50 years. Mimosa diplotricha is native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America and Central America, including parts of the Caribbean. It is currently unknown whether this species is native to North America.
