Mimosa pigra: A Notorious Invasive Tree

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mimosa pigra, invasive species
Mimosa pigra growing in river bank

Mimosa pigra or also known as Catclaw Mimosa is a widespread non-native invasive species that grows gregariously in many parts of the tropics. This invasive tree native habitat is in South America, but have since spread to other topical areas. Indeed Mimosa pigra is a notorious foreign tree that  is very difficult to control as it is easily dispersed via its hardy seeds that can survive for many years. Mimosa pigra also grows rapidly especially in sandy soil besides large rivers. As a result, local ecosystem would be altered and the relatively  rich native vegetation would become a homogenous stand of only several species of trees, and in turn some local animals like birds have to leave because of decline in fruiting trees or nesting site.

mimosa pigra, flower
Mimosa pigra flowers

Mimosa pigra tree bears some resemblance to its close relative the Mimosa pudica or the Sensitive Plant, but it is much larger in size. It is a thorny plant that can grows up to 5m tall with bipinnate leaves.  The flowers are borne on a rounded head which looks like a fluffy pink balls at a distance. This will then turn into the pods which contain the seeds.

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