Mimosa update
A couple of years ago I wrote about two Mimosa species that we have in the area. They are sensitive to the touch, and I was quite taken by them, at first. Now that we have a few good healthy stands here and there, and now that I’ve walked barefoot upon them, and now that the dogs carefully avoid them, I’m a little less enamored. Here’s a sample stand:
And here’s a representative thorn:
We now have plans to remove at least the stands near the house.
Nevertheless, I continue to marvel at how the leaves shrink upon touch. And now I’ve read a very interesting post at Niches explaining exactly how and why the leaves shrink. He has some nice pictures, too. Definitely worth reading if you’re at all curious about this famous sensitive plant.
No, I’m not! All I care about is getting rid of the nasty little beggars!
In Indonesia we have lots of Mimosa pudica growing wild, but I’ve never seen the other Mimosa on the post you linked about. It’s wonderful to see another species that behaves so similar but looks so different!
I love them. You play pranks with them (literally, kick them gently) while walking on the countryside. We call them “putri malu” which means “princess shy”.
Agro,
Thanks for your comment – I can see playing pranks with them, as long as you’re wearing shoes!
Nice to hear from Indonesia. I certainly did not realize M. pudica was there, although I’ve read that it has spread to many places in the world and can be invasive. If my plant is indeed M. pudica, it’s supposed to be native here, but it acts like an invasive plant in our yard.
Mary
My landscaper nearly had a heart attack when he saw a small bit of this ground mimosa, which had spread, apparently by seed, from the neighbor’s yard. He grabbed some Roundup, went next door, and eradicated the lot. Then he carefully dug up the few spots in my garden. He’s a professional (from Australia) and advised that this is one of most noxious, invasive plants on the planet!
Hi Bonnie,
Thanks for that viewpoint! Whew! Before I start using Roundup, I’m going to try another recommendation, this from La Gringa in Honduras. She suggests vinegar. Another friends simply pulled out everything in sight and seems to have succeeded.
Interesting to know the “sensitive” plant’s reputation.
Mary
They have incredibly deep and complex roots, so I can’t imagine that digging up more than a few scattered plants will do the trick. I’m intrigued by the idea that vinegar might be a weed killer, however. I do so hate using Roundup on anything.