Mimosa
Mimosa, commonly known as the "sensitive plant," is a fascinating botanical wonder celebrated for its rapid leaf movement. Beyond its unique physical responsiveness, various species possess significant medicinal properties, traditionally utilized in holistic practices to support skin health, reduce inflammation, and promote overall healing through their diverse bioactive compounds.
- Scientific name: Mimosa
- Family: Fabaceae
- Native range: Africa
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. Finally, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Mimosa.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Fabales | WCVP |
| Family | Fabaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Mimosa | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Mimosa, is referred to by various common names depending on the linguistic region. In Simplified Chinese contexts, such as in mainland China, it is known as 含羞草属 (zh-hans) or 含羞草属 (zh-cn), and similarly in Singapore as 含羞草属 (zh-sg). In Traditional Chinese contexts, including Taiwan, it is identified as 含羞草屬 (zh-hant), and in Hong Kong, it is also called 含羞草屬 (zh-hk).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 含羞草属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 含羞草屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 含羞草屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 含羞草属 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 含羞草属 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 含羞草屬 | Wikidata |
| pl | Mimoza | Wikidata |
| nah | Huixachin | Wikidata |
| ko | 미모사속 | Wikidata |
| de | Mimosen | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution spanning across several regions in Africa. In Northern Africa, its presence can be documented within the borders of Egypt. Moving toward the West Tropical Africa region, it is found in several different countries. Specifically, it grows within the territories of Benin, Burkina, and Gambia. Finally, its distribution extends further into West Tropical Africa to include Ghana.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Africa | Egypt | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Benin | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Burkina | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Gambia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ghana | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea-Bissau | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Guinea | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Ivory Coast | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Liberia | WCVP |
| West Tropical Africa | Mali | WCVP |
Activities
Mimosa has 19 reported activities identified across 22 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antiviral, Antiallergic, Anticancer.
- Total activities
- 19
- Scientific sources
- 22
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiviral | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiallergic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antidiabetic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiepileptic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimutagenic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antinociceptive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antiparasitic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Mimosa has 14 reported medicinal uses identified across 14 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include HIV, asthma, diarrhea, fever, gastrointestinal disorders.
- Total uses
- 14
- Scientific sources
- 14
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| HIV | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| asthma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| fever | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| gastrointestinal disorders | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hepatitis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| jaundice | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leprosy | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ringworm | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| skin diseases | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |