Overview of Mimosa procera Roxb.
Mimosa procera Roxb. is a species of leguminous tree in the family Fabaceae, native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent. It is commonly known as the giant sensitive plant, powder-puff tree, or bashful tree. The plant's scientific name, Mimosa procera, is derived from the Latin words "mimosa," meaning "mimic," and "procera," meaning "tall," alluding to the plant's tall stature and its sensitive leaves that fold up when touched.
General Appearance of Mimosa procera Roxb.
Mimosa procera can grow up to 18 m tall, with a straight, cylindrical trunk that can reach a diameter of up to 2 m. The bark is greyish-brown, rough, and deeply furrowed with distinct ridges. The leaves are bipinnate, 20-30 cm long, with numerous small leaflets. The leaflets are arranged in pairs along the main branches and have a sensitive response to touch, closing when disturbed or touched. The tree produces pink or lavender-colored flowers arranged in dense spherical clusters about 2-5 cm in diameter. The fruit of the plant is a flat pod that is about 10 to 20 cm long and 2-3 cm wide, containing six to ten seeds.
Uses of Mimosa procera Roxb.
Mimosa procera has several uses in traditional medicine. The bark, leaves, and roots of the tree are used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, dysentery, diarrhea, and inflammation. The plant also has potential applications in wound healing and as an antiseptic. Furthermore, the wood of the tree is hard, heavy, and durable, making it ideal for furniture and construction material. The tree's pods are used as animal feed and also produce yellow and brown dyes.
Light Requirements
Mimosa procera Roxb. thrives in bright sunlight and requires at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. It cannot grow well in shady areas and will result in spindly and weak stems. The plant's growth rate slows down when the availability of light decreases.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for Mimosa procera Roxb. growth is between 20°C to 35°C. The plant cannot tolerate low temperatures, and temperatures below 10°C can lead to plant death. Similarly, exposure to high temperatures above 40°C can also cause extensive damage to the leaves and stems of the plant. It is important to note that the plant grows well in tropical and subtropical climates.
Soil Requirements
Mimosa procera Roxb. requires well-drained soils with a pH range between 5 to 7. It is tolerant of a broad range of soils, including sand, loam, and clay soils. The plant prefers soils rich in organic matter, and it responds well to fertilization. However, over-fertilization can lead to reduced plant growth. It is crucial to avoid waterlogging in the soil as it can damage the root system of the plant.
Cultivation Methods for Mimosa procera Roxb.
Mimosa procera Roxb. is a hardy plant that can be grown in a wide range of soil types. However, it thrives best in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be propagated through seeds or stem cuttings. The seeds should be planted in a seedbed or a pot while the stem cuttings can be planted directly in the soil. The plant prefers a warm, sunny location but can tolerate some shade.
Watering Needs for Mimosa procera Roxb.
The plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plant deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. However, be careful not to overwater as this can lead to the development of root rot. During the dry season, the plant may require more watering to prevent wilting.
Fertilization for Mimosa procera Roxb.
Mimosa procera Roxb. requires regular fertilization to promote healthy growth and development. Apply a balanced fertilizer that is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium every 6-8 weeks during the growing season. Alternatively, you can apply organic manure or compost to the soil to enrich it with essential nutrients.
Pruning for Mimosa procera Roxb.
Pruning is important in maintaining the health and shape of Mimosa procera Roxb. plants. The plant produces a lot of branches that can be pruned to encourage bushy growth. Prune the branches back by about a third to half their length during the dormant season. Remove any diseased or damaged branches as soon as you spot them to prevent the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Mimosa procera Roxb.
Mimosa procera Roxb. is a multi-purpose tree that has been used for its medicinal properties and environmental benefits. Propagation of this tree can be done through several methods.
Seed Propagation
Seeds obtained from mature fruits can be used for propagation. Seeds should be collected from fully mature fruits and should be dry and brown. The seeds should be scarified before planting to facilitate germination. Seeds should be soaked in hot water and allowed to cool. The seeds that sink can be used for planting. Seeds can be sown in the nursery bed or in polythene bags filled with a mixture of sand and compost. The seeds can take up to 18 days to germinate when sown in a nursery bed and 12 days when sown in polythene bags. When germination occurs, the seedlings should be transplanted into individual polythene bags and grown in a nursery until they are large enough to be planted in the field.
Cuttings Propagation
Propagation by cuttings can be done using softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, disease-free plants and should be 10-15 cm long. The cuttings should be treated with rooting hormones and planted in prepared beds or polythene bags filled with a mixture of sand and compost. The cuttings should be kept in a humid environment and watered regularly. The cuttings can take up to 40-45 days to root when planted in polythene bags.
Air-Layering Propagation
Air-layering propagation can be done by selecting a healthy branch and making a cut just below two nodes. The cut should be wrapped with moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic. The branch should be kept moist and when roots have formed, the rooted branch should be cut from the mother plant and potted in a mixture of sand and compost.
Grafting Propagation
Mimosa procera Roxb. can also be propagated through grafting. Grafting is done by attaching a scion from a desired cultivar onto a rootstock. Rootstocks can be obtained from seedlings or cuttings of Mimosa procera Roxb. The scion should be obtained from healthy and disease-free plants. The graft union should be wrapped to prevent dehydration and the grafted plant should be cared for in a humidity chamber until it is established.
Propagation of Mimosa procera Roxb. can be done through various methods depending on the availability of resources and the desired outcome.
Disease and Pest Management for Mimosa Procera Roxb.
Mimosa procera Roxb. is a hardy tree that is resistant to most diseases and pests. However, under certain conditions, the plant may suffer from some common diseases and pests that can affect its growth and productivity. Proper management practices can help to prevent the spread of diseases and control pests, thereby increasing the yield of the plant.
Common Diseases and Pests
The following are some common diseases and pests that may affect Mimosa procera Roxb:
Fungal Leaf Spot
Fungal leaf spot is a common disease that affects many plants, including Mimosa procera Roxb. The disease is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, humid conditions. The symptoms of fungal leaf spot include small, circular spots on the leaves that may appear yellow or brown in color. The spots may merge together, leading to the premature death of the leaves. To manage fungal leaf spot, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene by removing infected leaves and using fungicides such as copper-based products to control the disease.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is another fungal disease that affects Mimosa procera Roxb. The disease is characterized by a white, powdery growth on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. The symptoms may include stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and premature leaf drop. To control powdery mildew, it is important to practice good plant hygiene and provide adequate ventilation to the plant. Fungicides such as sulfur-based products can also be used to control the disease.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are a common pest that can affect Mimosa procera Roxb. The larvae of moths and butterflies, caterpillars feed on the leaves of the plant, leading to defoliation and reduced productivity. To control caterpillars, it is important to physically remove the larvae from the plant and use insecticides such as bacillus thuringiensis to control their population.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny pests that feed on the leaves, causing yellowing, wilting, and eventual death of the foliage. The pests thrive in hot, dry conditions and can be controlled by increasing the humidity around the plant and using insecticidal soaps or miticides to kill the pests.
Conclusion
Mimosa procera Roxb. is a hardy plant that is resistant to most diseases and pests. However, under certain conditions, the plant may suffer from common diseases and pests such as fungal leaf spot, powdery mildew, caterpillars, and spider mites. Proper disease and pest management practices such as good plant hygiene, use of fungicides and insecticides, and physical removal of pests can help to maintain the health and productivity of the plant.
