Mimosa somnians

Mimosa somnians Humb. ^ Bonpl. ex Willd. - Flickr - Alex Popovkin, Bahia, Brazil (9)

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colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Mimosa somnians
colspan=2 style="min-width:15em; text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Scientific classification
Missing taxonomy template ([//en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?action=edit&title=Template:taxonomy/Mimosoid+clade&preload=Template:Taxonomy/preload fix]):	[[Mimosoid clade ]]
Genus	Mimosa
Species	M. somnians
colspan=2 style="text-align: center; background-color: transparent" | Binomial name
Mimosa somnians

Mimosa somnians is a species of flowering plant in the legume family, Fabaceae. It is native to regions in Central America and South America. This plant is known for its sensitive leaves that fold inward when touched, a characteristic it shares with other members of the Mimosa genus.

Description

Mimosa somnians is a perennial plant that can grow as a shrub or small tree. It typically reaches a height of 1 to 2 meters. The leaves are bipinnate, meaning they are divided into smaller leaflets. The plant produces small, pink or purple flowers that are arranged in spherical clusters. The fruit is a flat, brown pod that contains several seeds.

Habitat

This species thrives in a variety of habitats, including tropical and subtropical regions. It is commonly found in grasslands, savannas, and along the edges of forests. Mimosa somnians prefers well-drained soils and can often be found in disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields.

Behavior

One of the most notable features of Mimosa somnians is its rapid leaf movement in response to touch, a phenomenon known as thigmonasty. This movement is thought to be a defense mechanism against herbivores. The leaves also close at night, a behavior known as nyctinasty.

Uses

While not widely cultivated, Mimosa somnians has been used in traditional medicine in some cultures. The plant is believed to have various medicinal properties, including anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. However, scientific studies on its medicinal uses are limited.

Related Species

Mimosa somnians is closely related to other species in the Mimosa genus, such as Mimosa pudica and Mimosa tenuiflora. These species share similar characteristics, including sensitive leaves and similar habitats.

Related Pages

• Mimosa (plant)
• Fabaceae
• Thigmonasty
• Nyctinasty
• Perennial plant
• Shrub
• Flower