Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae and is specifically identified by the genus Mimosa.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a widespread distribution across several distinct tropical regions. In West Tropical Africa, its presence is specifically noted within the Ivory Coast. The species also occupies a significant range throughout Brazil, spanning the North and Northeast territories. Furthermore, it can be found extending into the West-Central and Southeast regions of Brazil. These diverse locations highlight the plant's adaptability to various tropical environments.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia is characterized by its broad adaptability across diverse Brazilian biomes, allowing it to thrive in environments with varying moisture availability and vegetation structures. It is prominently distributed within the Caatinga (strictu sensu), where it must endure semi-arid conditions and seasonal droughts, as well as throughout the Cerrado (lato sensu), occupying various successional stages of this tropical savanna. Furthermore, its ecological range extends into the Floresta Ombrófila (also known as Floresta Pluvial), indicating a significant capacity to inhabit humid, high-precipitation rainforest environments. This wide distributional range suggests a resilient physiological profile capable of navigating the transition from xeric, open shrublands to dense, moisture-rich forest ecosystems.

Habitat :

Caatinga (stricto sensu), Cerrado (lato sensu), Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial)

Life history

The life history of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons and establish a long-term presence in its environment. Throughout its developmental stages, the species exhibits a deciduous growth habit, meaning it undergoes a seasonal shedding of its foliage, typically in response to environmental stressors such as drought or changes in temperature. This cycle of growth and dormancy ensures its survival and adaptability within its native ecological niches.

Deciduousness :

deciduous

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia is characterized by its robust growth form as a woody tree, which reaches an average height of 6.5 m and can grow to a maximum height of 8 m. As a terrestrial species, it does not exhibit aquatic or epiphytic tendencies, maintaining an independent existence rather than acting as a parasite or a hemi-epiphyte. Although it possesses self-supporting structural qualities, it does not function as an obligatory or facultative climber, liana, or vine, instead relying on its woody stature for stability.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

8 m

Plant height mean:

6.5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia is characterized by a highly efficient symbiotic relationship with soil-borne bacteria, most notably within the genera Rhizobium or Bradyrhizobium, which facilitates its role as a nitrogen fixer. Through the development of specialized root nodules, the plant engages in biological nitrogen fixation, a process where atmospheric nitrogen ($N_2$) is converted into ammonia ($NH_3$), a form usable for plant protein synthesis and metabolic functions. This nitrogen fixation capability is a critical physiological adaptation that allows the species to thrive in nutrient-poor or nitrogen-deficient soils, providing a competitive advantage in diverse ecosystems. The metabolic demand for this process is supported by a steady supply of carbohydrates produced via photosynthesis, which are transported to the root nodules to fuel the energy-intensive nitrogenase enzyme activity. Consequently, the plant exhibits a positive nitrogen balance that promotes vigorous vegetative growth and efficient nutrient cycling within its immediate environment.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Reproduction

The reproduction of Mimosa caesalpiniifolia is driven by a biotic pollination syndrome, relying on living organisms rather than abiotic factors to facilitate the transfer of pollen. This process is characterized by a diverse range of interactions, primarily utilizing insects as the main vectors for genetic exchange. Specifically, the plant exhibits a strong affinity for bee pollination, where these insects play a crucial role in transporting pollen between flowers. This multifaceted approach to pollination ensures successful fertilization and the subsequent production of seeds, maintaining the reproductive cycle through these vital biotic connections.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Mimosa caesalpiniifolia has 2 reported plant parts identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf, stem.

Leaf

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology
2. Pharmacognosy magazine

Stem

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Chemicals

Mimosa caesalpiniifolia has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CATECHIN, Flavonoids, Glycosides, Tannins, betulinic acid.

CATECHIN

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Flavonoids

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Glycosides

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Tannins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

betulinic acid

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Activities

Mimosa caesalpiniifolia has 5 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antidepressant, Antiproliferative, Cytotoxic, Genotoxic, Vasorelaxant.

Antidepressant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antiproliferative

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Cytotoxic

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Genotoxic

1. Journal of toxicology and environmental health. Part A

Vasorelaxant

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Medicinal Uses

Mimosa caesalpiniifolia has 5 reported medicinal uses identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include antidepressant, bronchitis, hypertension, inflammation, tumor cell lines.

Most Reported Uses

Preparations