Mimosa scabrella

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Mimosa bracaatinga var. aspericarpa
• Mimosa scabrella var. aspericarpa
• Mimosa bracaatinga f. paucijuga
• Mimosa bracaatinga

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is further classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, falling into the family Fabaceae. Ultimately, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Mimosa, specifically as the species Mimosa scabrella.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide and diverse geographical distribution spanning multiple continents. In East Tropical Africa, its presence is documented in both Tanzania and Uganda. Moving toward the southern regions, it can also be found throughout South Tropical Africa, specifically in Angola and Zimbabwe. Furthermore, the species extends into the Papuasia region, where it is located in New Guinea. This varied range highlights the plant's ability to inhabit distinct ecological zones across the globe.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Mimosa scabrella is characterized by its presence across diverse environmental settings, ranging from undisturbed natural ecosystems to human-altered landscapes. It thrives within various forest types, specifically inhabiting Floresta Ombrófila (Rainforest) and Floresta Ombrófila Mista (Mixed Ombrophilous Forest), as well as Área Antrópica (Anthropic Areas), indicating a degree of adaptability to disturbed or modified environments. This species occupies a significant altitudinal gradient, establishing itself at elevations starting from 700 m AMSL and extending up to a maximum of 1900 m AMSL.

Elevational range max:

1900 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

700 m AMSL

Habitat :

Área Antrópica, Floresta Ombrófila (= Floresta Pluvial), Floresta Ombrófila Mista

Life history

The life history of Mimosa scabrella is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its cycle within a single year. As a perennial species, it maintains a long-term presence in its ecosystem, often developing established root systems that support regrowth after seasonal changes. This perennial lifecycle enables the plant to invest energy into structural longevity and repeated reproductive efforts over time, contributing to its stability within its natural habitat.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Mimosa scabrella is characterized by its growth form as a woody tree, capable of reaching significant dimensions in a natural habitat. The plant typically exhibits a height ranging from a minimum of 8 m up to a mean height of 10 m. As a terrestrial species, it does not function as an epiphyte, nor does it exhibit aquatic or semiaquatic characteristics. The plant is an independent organism, meaning it does not act as a parasite, and it maintains a self-supporting structure rather than growing as a liana, vine, or other type of climber. Its structural integrity is defined by its woody nature, allowing it to stand firmly as a self-supporting tree.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

8 m

Plant height mean:

10 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Mimosa scabrella is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which involves the direct fixation of carbon dioxide through the Calvin cycle within the mesophyll cells. In addition to its carbon assimilation processes, the plant exhibits specialized metabolic capabilities through its role as a nitrogen fixer. By engaging in symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, typically housed within root nodules, the plant is able to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a bioavailable form, thereby enhancing its nutrient uptake and supporting growth in nitrogen-limited environments.

Nitrogen fixer :

yes

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Reproduction

The reproduction of Mimosa scabrella is driven by a biotic pollination syndrome, primarily facilitated through insect interactions. Specifically, the plant relies on bees as key pollinators to ensure successful fertilization. Following the pollination process, the plant produces seeds characterized by a highly uniform mass; both the minimum, maximum, and mean seed mass are recorded at 0.00978 g, indicating a consistent seed size across the population.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

bee

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Seed mass mean:

0.00978 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Mimosa scabrella has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include seed.

Seed

1. International journal of biological macromolecules

Chemicals

Mimosa scabrella has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Galactomannan.

Galactomannan

1. International journal of biological macromolecules

Preparations

Mimosa scabrella has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Seeds.

Seeds

1. International journal of biological macromolecules