Mimosa Pigra - Name

Name

Mimosa pigra was first identified by Linnaeus, who also named a separate species Mimosa asperata, on the basis of its different leaf morphology. Mimosa pigra was described as having an erect prickle between the pinnae and Mimosa asperata as having prickles in opposite pairs between the pinnae. Further research showed that both leaf forms can occur on the same plant, and consequently both species were united under the name Mimosa asperata asperata, and later on, renamed Mimosa pigra. The scientific name remains Mimosa pigra. In Australia, the common name is mimosa or giant sensitive plant. Other common names include: bashful plant, catclaw mimosa, black mimosa.