Overview: Mimosa invisa Mart. ex Colla
Mimosa invisa Mart. ex Colla belongs to the plant family Fabaceae and is commonly known as Sensitive Plant or Mimosa. This plant is native to Central and South America and has now been introduced to other tropical and subtropical regions of the world. It is a small, herbaceous plant that is known for its unique response to touch or physical disturbance.
Appearance
Mimosa invisa Mart. ex Colla is a low-lying plant that typically grows up to a height of 1 meter. It has a small, woody stem that spreads out horizontally and produces numerous branches. The leaves of the plant are pinnately compound and deeply divided, giving them a fern-like appearance. The leaflets are generally elliptic to linear in shape and are arranged alternately along the stems. The flowers of the plant occur in small, spherical clusters and are pinkish-purple in color. The fruits of the plant are small pods that contain several seed-like structures.
Responses to touch
The Mimosa invisa Mart. ex Colla plant exhibits a unique response to touch or physical disturbance. When touched, the leaves of the plant fold together and droop downwards, almost as if the plant is wilting. This response is known as "thigmonasty" and is thought to be an adaptation that helps the plant protect itself from herbivores. When the disturbance ceases, the leaves gradually reopen and assume their normal position.
Uses
Various cultures throughout history have recognized the medicinal properties of Mimosa invisa Mart. ex Colla. Native Americans have used the plant to treat respiratory ailments, gastrointestinal issues, and skin problems. The plant has also been used to treat headaches, muscle pain, and anxiety. Additionally, it has been used in traditional medicine as a diuretic and an astringent.
Today, the sensitive plant is primarily used as an ornamental plant due to its unique response to touch. It is also grown commercially for use as a ground cover and for erosion control due to its ability to spread quickly and its deep root system.
Overall, Mimosa invisa Mart. ex Colla is a fascinating and useful plant with a unique physical response to touch and numerous medicinal properties.
Light Requirement
The plant Mimosa invisa Mart. ex Colla prefers to grow in full sunlight, but it can also tolerate partial shade. It is not an indoor plant and requires outdoor sunlight to grow properly.
Temperature Requirement
The plant requires a warm and humid climate to grow at its best. The average temperature required for the plant growth is above 20°C. It is a tropical plant that cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C.
Soil Requirement
The plant prefers to grow in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic in nature. The suitable soil pH range for its growth is between 5.5 to 6.5. The plant cannot tolerate waterlogged soil, as it can lead to root rot, which can be fatal for the plant.
Water Requirement
The plant requires moderate watering. It prefers to grow in soil that is evenly moist but never wet. Over-watering can cause waterlogging and lead to root rot. On the other hand, under-watering will cause the plant to wilt and dry out. Watering should be done once or twice a week depending on the weather conditions and soil type.
Cultivation Methods
Mimosa invisa Mart. ex Colla is a fast-growing plant and can quickly become invasive if left uncontrolled. Therefore, it's best to grow it in containers or isolated garden beds with barriers to prevent its spread into unwanted areas. The plant prefers a well-draining soil mix that is slightly acidic with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5, and it should be placed in a spot that gets plenty of full sun exposure.
Watering Needs
Watering frequency for Mimosa invisa Mart. ex Colla depends on the environment and season. In hot and dry weather, it's essential to water the plant frequently to prevent wilting and leaf-drop. On the other hand, during winter, watering can be reduced to avoid waterlogging the soil. The soil should be checked for moisture before next watering, and excess water should be drained out to prevent root rot.
Fertilization
For optimal growth and foliage development, Mimosa invisa Mart. ex Colla should be fed with a well-balanced fertilizer, containing equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, during the growing season, which is usually from spring to late summer. Fertilization should be on a biweekly basis or as recommended by the product package instructions. Over-fertilization can cause root or leaf burn, so it's crucial to follow the recommended dosage.
Pruning
Mimosa invisa Mart. ex Colla requires little to no pruning, but if the plant starts to look unsightly or overgrown, you can trim its branches to shape it or promote secondary growth. Pruning should be done during the dormant season or early spring before new growth commences. Use sterilized pruning shears to prevent the transfer of diseases or pests. Cut at a 45-degree angle, leaving one-third of the branch behind to prevent shock to the plant.
Propagation of Mimosa invisa
Mimosa invisa Mart. ex Colla is commonly known as the sensitive plant. It is a tropical perennial plant known for its touch-sensitive leaves. Propagation of Mimosa invisa can be achieved through either sexual or asexual methods.
Sexual Propagation
The plant produces small, delicate flowers that are self-fertile. Pollen from the plant's stamens is transferred to the pistil, which produces the seeds. The seed pods mature and burst open to disperse the seeds. Seeds can be collected from the mature seed pods and planted directly into the soil.
Asexual Propagation
The most common method of asexual propagation is through stem cuttings. Select a healthy branch and take a 4-6 inch cutting, making sure that the cutting includes several leaves. Dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone to encourage the growth of roots. Plant the cutting in moist soil and keep it hydrated with regular watering.
Another asexual propagation method is through division. Mimosa invisa produces a sprawling root system, and a single plant can produce several offshoots. Once the offshoots have developed roots, they can be carefully separated from the parent plant and transplanted into their own pots or outdoor space.
Overall, Mimosa invisa is an easy plant to propagate, making it a popular choice for gardeners and horticulturists alike.
Disease and Pest Management for Mimosa invisa Mart. ex Colla
Mimosa invisa Mart. ex Colla, commonly known as the Sensitive Plant, is a delicate plant species that can often be susceptible to diseases and pests. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
One common disease that affects this plant is powdery mildew. It is characterized by a white powdery substance on the leaves. This disease thrives in humid conditions. To manage this disease, remove affected foliage and improve air circulation around the plant. In severe cases, fungicides such as neem oil can be used.
Brown spot is another disease that can affect the Sensitive Plant. It appears as brown spots on the foliage and can lead to leaf drop. To manage this disease, remove affected foliage and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to control the spread of brown spot.
Pests
Spider mites can be a problem for this plant species. They are tiny pests that suck the sap from the plant, causing damage to the foliage. Control spider mites by spraying the plant with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap or neem oil.
The Sensitive Plant is also vulnerable to mealybugs. They produce a white, waxy substance that can accumulate on the foliage and stems. To control mealybugs, remove them manually with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. In severe cases, neem oil can be used.
Thrips are another pest that can affect the Sensitive Plant. They cause damage to the foliage and flowers of the plant. To control thrips, remove affected foliage and spray the plant with a mixture of water and insecticidal soap.
Implementing good cultural practices, such as regular watering, fertilizing, and pruning, can also help to prevent diseases and pests from affecting the Sensitive Plant.
