Mimosa = Albizia

[Genxor]

It is my understanding that what I've known as a Mimosa tree in Virginia , is the junk Albizia tree.

Of course they never grew that large in Virginia.

This is true ?

Greg

[JerryCarr]

Aloha, Greg. The Bear recently did some research for me on mimosas and albezias. He tells me that they are closely related, but not the same exact species. Mimosas are considered invasive, even in temperate regions. They also harbor plant diseases (most notably fire blight) without being seriously affected themselves. Fire blight wreaks havoc on expensive ornamental trees and shrubs in many parts of the Southern USA. Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Jerry



Edited by - JerryCarr on 05/05/2007 09:24:22

[Genxor]

Thanks, that does help !

We have a few on our lot , they *appear* to be Mimosas to me. So we were going to take them out ( they are only 4 ft. tall ) when the excavation starts.

These Monkeypod trees also bloom similiar to Mimosa.

Greg

[missydog1]

As I understand it, Albizzia julibrissin (silk tree, pink flowers) is called mimosa, and so is what in California we called acacia baileyana (pest with yellow flowers).

Which is the junk tree here?

Both are members of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) in my book ... aka trees that make beans and seed all over the place, including poinciana (royal and dwarf), monkeypod, and probably shower trees, haole koa, kiawe ... I think they're all related and fluorish here.

at least they're not all junk. These albizzia's are a royal pain. To think I've actually planted silk tree as a specimen.

[Les C]

There are several species of albizia and a couple of mimosa in Hawai'i. I've often heard that botanical nomenclature is very confusing with little agreement about taxonomic order. From Permacopia, Book III: Weeds: The Plants Undesirable for Hawai'i.

under "Albizia", excerpts:
Albizia & Paraserianthes species. Fabaceae (Bean) Family
Many species have poisonous leaves.

There are the following species:
Common Name: Albizia
Binomial: Albizia chinensis, aka Mimosa chinensis
!! Not manageable. Not recommended for planting in Hawai'i.
Can grow to 70'. Whitish flowers. Intolerant of high winds. Spread by seeds and stem-pieces. Low-Mid elev./Mesic to xeric (dry) habitat.

Common Name: Molucca Albizia
Binomial: Paraserianthes falcataria, aka Albizia falcataria, aka Albizia moluccana
!!! Very difficult to control or eradicate. Displaces Hawaiian species. Should never be planted in Hawai'i.
Can grow to 100'. Fragrant ivory flowers mature into dehisent pods ~5" x 1". Reported to be one of the fastest growing trees in the world. Intolerant of herbicides, shade often damaged by strong winds. Spread by seeds. Coastal to high elev./all moisture level habitats.

Common Name: Silk Tree, aka Mimosa, aka Nemu.
Binomial: Albizia julibrissin
!! Not manageable. Not recommended for planting in Hawai'i.
Can grow to 40'. Fern-like floliage that "sleeps" at night. Pink, silky blossoms mature into flat pods ~6" x 1". Intolerant of persistently dry conditions. Spread by seeds. Low elev./mesic habitats.

Common Name: Siris Tree, aka Lebbeck Tree, Indian Siris, White Monkeypod, Woman's Tongue.
Binomial: Albizia lebbeck, aka Mimosa lebbeck
!! Not manageable. Not recommended for planting in Hawai'i.
Can grow to 80'. Fragrant ivory to yellow-green pomoms. Woody pods ~1' long. Intolerant of shade. Spread by seeds suckers and stem-pieces. Costal to high elev./humic (wet) to xeric habitats.

Also noted in this section is Monkeypod, Samanea saman, which has also been referred to as Albizia saman.

In the part under "Mimosa", here are the species with excerpts:
Mimosa & Desmanthus species. Fabaceae (Bean) Family

The two species:

Common Name: Mimosa, aka Giant Sensitive Plant.
Binomial: Mimosa invisa
!!!! Severe environmental impact. Species which can invade & displace intact Hawaiian forests.
Thorny leguminous shrub. Spread by seeds.

Common Name: Slender Mimosa, aka Acuan, Virgate Mimosa.
Binomial: Desmanthus virgatus, aka Acuan virgatum, Mimosa virgata.
!!! Very difficult to control or eradicate. Displaces Hawaiian species. Should never be planted in Hawai'i.
Perennial shrub. Can grow 2' to 9' tall. Spread by prolific seeds.

Also referenced in this section are:
Acacia, Klu - Acacia farnesiana, aka Mimosa farnesiana
Albezia - the aforementioned Albezia & Mimosa species
Monkeypod - Samanea saman, aka Mimosa saman
Sensitive Plant - Mimosa pudica

There's tons more information about many of these and other plants growing in the Islands in this set, "Permacopia". Book I covers the native (endemic & indigenous) plants. Book II has "non-weed" plants with good potential for sustainable use. Book III has the invasive "weedy" plants. A surprising amount of information can be gleaned from the species accounts. "Weedy" is defined in these books for the authors' intentions. I got the set at the Book Gallery, 259 Keawe St., in old town Hilo across from Ocean Sushi and Aloha Luigi's. If you care about supporting small bookstores, this is a nice one (even smaller than Basically Books) and one that's very deserving of community support.

[missydog1]

Thanks Les!
Wonderful that you posted all that botanical information.

Not recommended for Hawai'i. Too bad it's here!

I do like supporting small book stores, so I'll keep that in mind. Not that I have any business buying MORE books. I can't make a good home for the ones I already have.