Origin and Common Names
Mimosa procera Roxb. is a species of plant in the family Fabaceae, native to parts of Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Myanmar. It is commonly known by several names such as Giant sensitive plant, Elephant ear mimosa, and White siris.Appearance
Mimosa procera Roxb. is a large deciduous tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. It has a straight trunk, with a smooth grey bark that tends to crack as the tree ages. The leaves are pinnate and can measure up to 45 centimeters in length, with each leaflet being up to 9 centimeters long. The tree produces showy white flowers in the months of February to April, which form into pods containing seeds that are dispersed by the wind.Uses
Mimosa procera Roxb. has various uses in traditional medicine, with different parts of the plant being used to treat a wide array of ailments such as gastrointestinal disorders, skin diseases, and respiratory issues. The plant extract has been shown to possess antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, making it useful in treating infections. The tree also has economic significance, with the wood being used in construction, making furniture, and producing charcoal. The leaves are used as food for livestock, and the pods are a source of tannin used in the leather industry. Additionally, the plant is often used in agroforestry as it helps in soil conservation and has nitrogen-fixing properties.Light Requirements
Mimosa procera Roxb. thrives in full sunlight and partial shade. However, it grows best in full sunlight. Lack of sunlight can lead to stunted growth and poor flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant requires warm temperatures to grow and develop properly. Mimosa procera Roxb. can survive in a temperature range of 20-30°C. Temperatures below 10°C or above 40°C can cause stress to the plant, leading to reduced growth and vitality.
Soil Requirements
The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil pH for Mimosa procera Roxb. ranges from 5.5 to 7.5. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, or clay soils. However, it is recommended to avoid waterlogged and heavy soils as they can lead to root rot and plant death.
Cultivation methods
Mimosa procera Roxb. is a plant that can be grown from seeds or cuttings. To propagate the plant from seeds, collect the seeds from the mature pods, sow them in well-draining soil, and water them regularly until they sprout. The cuttings can be obtained by cutting a stem of the plant in the growing season and planting them in well-draining soil.
It is important to note that Mimosa procera Roxb. should be planted in an area that receives enough sunshine every day, preferably in an area with partial shade and well-draining soil.
Watering needs
Mimosa procera Roxb. requires moderate watering during the growing season, particularly in the first year after planting. Water the plant regularly at the base, making sure not to water the leaves, primarily during the dry months. Reduce the frequency of watering during the rainy season.
It is important to avoid overwatering which can lead to root rot and other fungal infections. Mimosa procera Roxb. requires well-draining soil, allowing water to flow to the roots, and do not let water accumulate around the base of the stem as it can cause the plant to rot.
Fertilization
Mimosa procera Roxb. requires regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer to maintain healthy growth. Fertilize the plant every two months during the growing season, using a balanced fertilizer with a 20-20-20 or 15-15-15 NPK ratio.
Pruning
Mimosa procera Roxb. requires pruning to maintain its shape and size regularly. Prune the plant in the growing season by removing dead or damaged branches, cutting back to the healthy growth, and shaping the plant to enhance its appearance.
Additionally, prune any leggy branches to encourage side branches' growth, which will improve the plant's overall health. Periodic pruning will help the plant maintain its attractive shape and size
Propagation of Mimosa procera Roxb.
Mimosa procera Roxb. can be propagated through various methods, including seed collection and vegetative propagation.
Seed collection
Seeds of Mimosa procera Roxb. are best collected when the pods are mature and brown in color. Collecting pods early might result in immature seeds and poor germination rates. Once collected, the pods should be allowed to air-dry in a shady area, and the seeds can be extracted by hand.
It is essential to note that the seeds of Mimosa procera Roxb. have a hard seed coat, and it requires scarification to enhance germination rates. Scarification is done by either soaking seeds in hot water for several hours or by mechanical scarification.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation is another effective method to propagate Mimosa procera Roxb. This is usually done through stem cuttings or air layering. Stem cuttings are usually taken from mature trees in the dormant season. The cuttings should be 15-20 cm long, and it is recommended to remove all leaves except the top two. Once planted in a rooting medium, the cuttings should be kept moist by covering it with plastic.
Air layering is another method for propagation of Mimosa procera Roxb. It involves taking a stem cutting, 15-20 cm long, and scraping off a ring of bark about 2 cm wide. The scraped area is then wrapped in a ball of damp sphagnum moss and then covered in plastic. Roots should start to form in the moss after a few weeks, and the propagated plant can be cut off and transplanted.
Overall, both seed collection and vegetative propagation methods are effective means to propagate Mimosa procera Roxb.
Disease and Pest Management for Mimosa Procera Roxb.
Mimosa procera Roxb., commonly known as the "sensitive plant", is a popular ornamental plant because of its unique and attractive feature of leaves. However, like any other plant, the Mimosa procera Roxb. is also susceptible to diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Diseases
Fungal diseases are prevalent in the Mimosa procera Roxb. plant. These diseases cause the leaves to yellow, wilt, and eventually die. The most common fungal diseases that affect the plant include powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot.
To manage fungal infections, it's essential to provide adequate air circulation by spacing plants out. Planting the Mimosa procera Roxb. in well-drained soil is also essential. Additionally, ensure that you use clean tools when pruning the plants to prevent the spread of fungus. You can manage powdery mildew by spraying the plant with baking soda and water solution while root rot can be managed by avoiding overwatering.
Pests
The Mimosa procera Roxb. plant is susceptible to pests, including spider mites, whiteflies, and caterpillars. Spider mites cause discoloration and deformation of the leaves, while whiteflies cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually fall off. Caterpillars, on the other hand, eat the leaves and cause significant damage to the plant.
To manage pests, consider using insecticidal soap that targets the specific pest affecting your plant. Ensure to spray the plant thoroughly, including the undersides of the leaves, to eliminate the pests entirely. Additionally, prune off any infested leaves to prevent the spread of pests.
In conclusion, as much as the Mimosa procera Roxb. plant is susceptible to diseases and pests, proper disease and pest management can help to prevent significant damage to the plant. A combination of cultural and chemical controls can go a long way in ensuring a healthy and robust Mimosa procera Roxb. plant.
