Mimosa casta (graceful mimosa)
Index
- Pictures
- Identity
- Summary of Invasiveness
- Taxonomic Tree
- Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Description
- Plant Type
- Distribution
- Distribution Table
- History of Introduction and Spread
- Risk of Introduction
- Habitat
- Habitat List
- Biology and Ecology
- Climate
- Air Temperature
- Rainfall
- Rainfall Regime
- Soil Tolerances
- Means of Movement and Dispersal
- Pathway Causes
- Pathway Vectors
- Impact Summary
- Economic Impact
- Environmental Impact
- Risk and Impact Factors
- Uses
- Uses List
- Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
- Prevention and Control
- References
- Links to Websites
- Contributors
- Distribution Maps
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Top of pageIdentity
Top of pagePreferred Scientific Name
- Mimosa casta L.
Preferred Common Name
- graceful mimosa
Other Scientific Names
- Mimosa dominiciana Desv.
International Common Names
- Spanish: zarza; zarza mimosa
Local Common Names
- Lesser Antilles: amourette; cock chien; honteuse mâle; kók chyen
- Saint Lucia: kwòk chyen
Summary of Invasiveness
Top of pageM. casta is a fast-growing perennial vine that is included in the Global Compendium of Weeds (Randall, 2012). The ability of this species to tolerate a wide range of habitats including disturbed areas, roadsides, pastures, semi-waterlogged areas, as well as natural forests means that it has the potential to spread much further than it has to date. Additionally, the species is able to climb over other species and supports itself on other plants by means of spines which are borne along the length of its stems and petioles, forming a dense cover and presumably competing for resources (i.e., sunlight) with native species. In Puerto Rico, this species is classified as a “noxious weed” (USDA-ARS, 2012).
Taxonomic Tree
Top of page- Domain: Eukaryota
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Spermatophyta
- Subphylum: Angiospermae
- Class: Dicotyledonae
- Order: Fabales
- Family: Fabaceae
- Subfamily: Mimosoideae
- Genus: Mimosa
- Species: Mimosa casta
Notes on Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Top of page
Fabaceae is one the largest families of flowering plants. This family includes about 745 genera and 19,500 species that can be found throughout the world, growing in many different environments and climates (Stevens, 2012). The subfamily Mimosoideae is characterized by leaves that are often bicompound and have extra-floral nectaries on the petioles. Flowers within this subfamily are small, often borne in heads, and all open more or less simultaneously. The subfamily Mimosoideae includes 82 genera and 3275 species (Stevens, 2012) distributed in tropical and warm temperate zones.
Mimosa is a genus with about 480 species of herbs and shrubs. The name of this genus is derived from the Greek word “mimos” meaning "mimic”. The taxonomy of the genus Mimosa has had a long and complex history, having gone through periods of splitting and lumping, eventually accumulating over 3000 scientific names, many of which have either been synonymies under other species or transferred to other genera. Consequently, the genus Mimosa has been used for species that are currently classified under the genera Albizia and/or Acacia.
Description
Top of pageWoody vine, 1-2 m in length. Stems are angular, glabrous, with numerous spines. Leaves are alternate, bipinnate, with a single pair of pinnae. Leaflets 3-4 pairs, elliptical to oblong-lanceolate, 1-3 × 0.5-1.5 cm, the apex acute, the base asymmetrical, one side attenuate, the other rounded, the margins ciliate; upper surface glabrous; lower surface sparsely sericeous, with prominent venation; petioles up to 10 cm long with numerous recurved spines, pulvinate at the base; stipules approximately 5 mm long. Inflorescences in globose and axillary heads, 5-15 mm long. Corolla is white, infundibuliform, 1-2 mm long, glabrous, with 4 lobes and 4 stamens, filaments are free, approximately 1 cm long. Fruit is a legume flattened, glabrous, with 4-5 articulations, and the margin with spines (Acevedo-Rodríguez, 2005).
Distribution
Top of pageThe native distribution range of this species includes the Lesser Antilles (including Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, and Trinidad and Tobago) and Latin America from Panamá to Brazil. M. casta is reported as an “exotic species” in Mexico, French Guyana, and Puerto Rico where it is common at lower and middle elevations (Acevedo-Rodríguez, 2005; Acevedo-Rodríguez and Strong, 2012).
Distribution Table
Top of pageThe distribution in this summary table is based on all the information available. When several references are cited, they may give conflicting information on the status. Further details may be available for individual references in the Distribution Table Details section which can be selected by going to Generate Report.
Last updated: 10 Jan 2020Continent/Country/Region | Distribution | Last Reported | Origin | First Reported | Invasive | Reference | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
North America |
|||||||
Barbados | Present | Native | |||||
Dominica | Present | Native | |||||
Grenada | Present | Native | |||||
Guadeloupe | Present | Native | |||||
Jamaica | Present | Native | |||||
Martinique | Present | Native | |||||
Mexico | Present | Introduced | |||||
Panama | Present | Native | |||||
Puerto Rico | Present | Introduced | Invasive | First collections at San Juan are from 1982, now widely spread and classed as a noxious weed | |||
Saint Lucia | Present | Native | |||||
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines | Present | Native | |||||
Trinidad and Tobago | Present | Native | |||||
South America |
|||||||
Brazil | Present | Present based on regional distribution. | |||||
-Amapa | Present | Native | |||||
-Amazonas | Present | Native | |||||
-Para | Present | Native | |||||
Colombia | Present | Native | |||||
French Guiana | Present | Introduced | |||||
Venezuela | Present | Native | Delta Amacuro, Bolivar, and Monagas |
History of Introduction and Spread
Top of pageThe timing and history of introduction of M. casta into its non-native range is unknown. In Puerto Rico, it was probably introduced as an ornamental, but the year of this introduction is unknown. The first Smithsonian Herbarium specimen for Puerto Rico was collected in 1982 and by 2005, this species is described as “locally common” on the island (Acevedo-Rodríguez, 2005).
Risk of Introduction
Top of pageThe risk of introduction of M. casta is high. The presence of spiny fruits means that the species can be easily dispersed by humans and animals in mud or by adhering to fur, clothing, and vehicles. In additions, seeds may remain dormant and viable for several years waiting for suitable conditions to germinate.
Habitat
Top of pageM. casta is a rapidly growing perennial, woody vine and it can be found along roadsides, disturbed areas, secondary forest, pastures, riverbanks, dry coastal forest and semi-waterlogged areas. In Puerto Rico this species has been recorded on roadsides and in pastures at lower and middle elevations (Acevedo-Rodríguez, 2005).
Habitat List
Top of pageCategory | Sub-Category | Habitat | Presence | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|
Terrestrial | Managed | Disturbed areas | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Managed | Rail / roadsides | Present, no further details | Natural |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Natural forests | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Natural grasslands | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Terrestrial | Natural / Semi-natural | Riverbanks | Present, no further details | Harmful (pest or invasive) |
Biology and Ecology
Top of pageGenetics
There are no specific genetic studies based on M. casta. However, studies for other Mimosa species suggest that within this genus the number of chromosomes may vary from 22-56 (2n) (Dahmer et al., 2011).
Reproductive Biology
The principal mechanism of reproduction in M. casta is the production of seeds. Flowers in this species are arranged in an inflorescence. The inflorescence is a head of small flowers that typically bloom for one day. Flowers are visited by insects, and recorded visitors include members of Hymenoptera, Diptera and Coleoptera.
Based on the high pollen/ovule ratio characteristic of the genus Mimosa, a xenogamous breeding system is expected.
Physiology and Phenology
In Puerto Rico, this species has been collected in flower and fruit in January and February.
Longevity
M. casta is a perennial vine. Plants grow rapidly and produce abundant stems. Flowering starts about 3-6 months after germination, depending on resource availability.
Associations
In the Lesser Antilles, M. casta is widespread in moist open and semi-open areas, often degraded, at lower and middle elevations including pastures, grassland with a scattered shrub layer, and coastal forests (Graveson, 2011). In Puerto Rico, this species is a component of the weed community in roadsides, disturbed areas, and pastures in lower and middle elevations (Acevedo-Rodríguez, 2005). As with many Mimosa species, M. casta is a nitrogen-fixing legume and possesses root nodules housing Rhizobium bacteria.
Climate
Top of pageClimate | Status | Description | Remark |
---|---|---|---|
Af - Tropical rainforest climate | Preferred | > 60mm precipitation per month | |
Am - Tropical monsoon climate | Preferred | Tropical monsoon climate ( < 60mm precipitation driest month but > (100 - [total annual precipitation(mm}/25])) | |
Aw - Tropical wet and dry savanna climate | Tolerated | < 60mm precipitation driest month (in winter) and < (100 - [total annual precipitation{mm}/25]) |
Rainfall
Top of pageParameter | Lower limit | Upper limit | Description |
---|---|---|---|
Mean annual rainfall | 750 | 2500 | mm; lower/upper limits |
Soil Tolerances
Top of pageSoil drainage
- free
- impeded
- seasonally waterlogged
Soil reaction
- acid
- neutral
Soil texture
- light
- medium
Special soil tolerances
- shallow
Means of Movement and Dispersal
Top of pagePropagation of M. casta is mainly by seeds. Seeds can remain viable for several months waiting for suitable conditions to germinate.
Pathway Causes
Top of pageCause | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Escape from confinement or garden escape | Yes | Yes | USDA-ARS (2012) | |
Forage | Yes | Yes | USDA-ARS (2012) | |
Garden waste disposal | Yes | Yes | USDA-ARS (2012) | |
Medicinal use | Yes | Yes | USDA-ARS (2012) |
Pathway Vectors
Top of pageVector | Notes | Long Distance | Local | References |
---|---|---|---|---|
Clothing, footwear and possessions | Spiny fruits | Yes | USDA-ARS (2012) | |
Floating vegetation and debris | Fruits and seeds | Yes | Yes | USDA-ARS (2012) |
Land vehicles | Fruits and seeds | Yes | Yes | USDA-ARS (2012) |
Livestock | Forage for goats | Yes | Yes | Muir (2009) |
Machinery and equipment | Fruits and seeds | Yes | Yes | USDA-ARS (2012) |
Water | Seeds | Yes | Yes | USDA-ARS (2012) |
Economic Impact
Top of pageIn Puerto Rico, this invasive weed reduces pasture grass growth, increases the costs of road maintenance and results in the increased use of herbicide (USDA-ARS, 2012).
The species often forms compact, impenetrable clumps, mixed with tall grass, weeds, and shrubs. Areas dominated by this species are subject to mowing or burning by farmers, in one- to several-year cycles to protect livestock and plantations.
Environmental Impact
Top of pageM. casta is able to cause environmental degradation by out-competing and replacing native vegetation. M. casta is a fast-growing vine that can climb and grow over native species forming a dense monospecific ground cover and limiting the growth of canopy species as well as reducing sunlight reaching the understory.
Risk and Impact Factors
Top of page- Proved invasive outside its native range
- Abundant in its native range
- Pioneering in disturbed areas
- Fast growing
- Gregarious
- Has propagules that can remain viable for more than one year
- Ecosystem change/ habitat alteration
- Host damage
- Infrastructure damage
- Monoculture formation
- Reduced native biodiversity
- Threat to/ loss of native species
- Rapid growth
- Produces spines, thorns or burrs
Uses
Top of pageM. casta is used in traditional medicine in the Lesser Antilles for the treatment of reproductive problems (USDA-ARS, 2012). Plants are locally used as “honey plants”.
Uses List
Top of pageAnimal feed, fodder, forage
- Forage
- Invertebrate food
Fuels
- Fuelwood
Human food and beverage
- Honey/honey flora
Medicinal, pharmaceutical
- Source of medicine/pharmaceutical
- Traditional/folklore
Similarities to Other Species/Conditions
Top of pageM. casta is similar in habit to Mimosa ceratonia, but can be distinguished because the leaves are quite different. In M. casta, leaves are arranged in a single pair of pinnae with 3-4 pairs of leaflets, whereas M. ceratonia has 3-8 pairs of leaflets. M. casta is very closely related to M. schankioides, which has a similar calyx, but less numerous and larger leaflets (Barneby, 1991).
Prevention and Control
Top of pageDue to the variable regulations around (de)registration of pesticides, your national list of registered pesticides or relevant authority should be consulted to determine which products are legally allowed for use in your country when considering chemical control. Pesticides should always be used in a lawful manner, consistent with the product's label.
In Puerto Rico, this species is classified as a noxious weed and the introduction into Puerto Rico at any plant stage is prohibited (USDA-ARS, 2012).
A study performed in Puerto Rico evaluating the potential use of small ruminants (i.e., goats) to control the growth of invasive plant species including M. casta, has showed that goats consumed basal leaves of M. casta but did not damage the branches or stems. There was, however, 90% reduction on this species in areas subject to goats-browsing. Browsed plants did not recover, but new plants originated from existing seeds in the pasture (Muir, 2009). This study demonstrates that management strategies for the effective control of this invasive species should include active management of plants at different life-cycle stages.
References
Top of pageAcevedo-Rodríguez P, Strong MT, 2012. Catalogue of the Seed Plants of the West Indies. Smithsonian Contributions to Botany, 98:1192 pp. Washington DC, USA: Smithsonian Institution. http://botany.si.edu/Antilles/WestIndies/catalog.htm
Broome R, Sabir K, Carrington S, 2007. Plants of the Eastern Caribbean. Online database. Barbados: University of the West Indies. http://ecflora.cavehill.uwi.edu/index.html
Correa A, Galdames MDC, Stapf MNS, 2004. Catalogue of vascular plants of Panama (Catalogo de Plantas Vasculares de Panama.), Panama: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, 599 pp.
Forzza RC, Leitman PM, Costa AF, Carvalho Jr AA, et al. , 2012. List of species of the Flora of Brazil (Lista de espécies Flora do Brasil). Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Rio de Janeiro Botanic Garden. http://floradobrasil.jbrj.gov.br/2012/
Graveson R, 2011. Plants of Saint Lucia: A Pictorial Flora of Wild and Cultivated Vascular Plants. http://www.saintlucianplants.com/index.html
Hokche O, Berry PE, Huber O, 2008. Nuevo Catálogo de la Flora Vascular de Venezuela (New catalogue of the vascular flora of Venezuela). Caracas, Venezuela: Fundación Instituto Botánico de Venezuela, 860 pp.
Liogier AH, 1988. Flora of Puerto Rico and Adjacent Islands: A Systematic Synopsis. Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico: Editorial de la Universidad de Puerto Rico.
Muir J, 2009. Sustainable and profitable control of invasive plant species by small ruminants. Final Report., USA: Texas Agricultural Experiment Station.
Randall RP, 2012. A Global Compendium of Weeds. Perth, Australia: Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, 1124 pp. http://www.cabi.org/isc/FullTextPDF/2013/20133109119.pdf
Stevens PF, 2012. Angiosperm Phylogeny Website. http://www.mobot.org/MOBOT/research/APweb/
USDA-ARS, 2012. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Online Database. Beltsville, Maryland, USA: National Germplasm Resources Laboratory. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomysearch.aspx
USDA-NRCS, 2012. The PLANTS Database. Baton Rouge, USA: National Plant Data Center. http://plants.usda.gov/
Distribution References
Broome R, Sabir K, Carrington S, 2007. Plants of the Eastern Caribbean. Online database., Barbados: University of the West Indies. http://ecflora.cavehill.uwi.edu/index.htm
CABI, Undated. CABI Compendium: Status inferred from regional distribution. Wallingford, UK: CABI
CABI, Undated a. CABI Compendium: Status as determined by CABI editor. Wallingford, UK: CABI
Correa A, Galdames MDC, Stapf MNS, 2004. Catalogue of vascular plants of Panama. (Catalogo de Plantas Vasculares de Panama)., Panama: Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. 599 pp.
Forzza RC, Leitman PM, Costa AF, Carvalho Jr AA et al, 2012. List of species of the Flora of Brazil. (Lista de espécies Flora do Brasil)., Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Rio de Janeiro Botanic Garden. http://floradobrasil.jbrj.gov.br/2012/
Graveson R, 2011. Plants of Saint Lucia: A Pictorial Flora of Wild and Cultivated Vascular Plants., http://www.saintlucianplants.com/index.html
Hokche O, Berry PE, Huber O, 2008. New catalogue of the vascular flora of Venezuela. (Nuevo Catálogo de la Flora Vascular de Venezuela)., Caracas, Venezuela, Fundación Instituto Botánico de Venezuela. 860 pp.
Liogier AH, 1988. Flora of Puerto Rico and Adjacent Islands: A Systematic Synopsis., Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico: Editorial de la Universidad de Puerto Rico.
USDA-ARS, 2012. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN). Online Database. Beltsville, Maryland, USA: National Germplasm Resources Laboratory. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomysimple.aspx
Links to Websites
Top of pageWebsite | URL | Comment |
---|---|---|
Angiosperm Phylogeny Website | http://www.mobot.org/mobot/research/apweb/ | |
Flora of the West Indies | http://botany.si.edu/antilles/WestIndies/ | |
Plants of St. Lucia | http://www.saintlucianplants.com/index.html | |
Plants of the Eastern Caribbean | http://ecflora.cavehill.uwi.edu/index.html |
Contributors
Top of page24/10/12 Original text by:
Julissa Rojas-Sandoval, Department of Botany-Smithsonian NMNH, Washington DC, USA
Pedro Acevedo-Rodríguez, Department of Botany-Smithsonian NMNH, Washington DC, USA
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