The Mimosa hostilis also called Mimosa tenuiflora, is a small shrub native to South America whose height ranges from one to eight meters high. Its trunk is reddish, and its leaves are very characteristic, they grow in the form of ferns or very small leaves that grow in linear pairs (between 10 to 30 pairs approximately).
This small plant also produces beautiful spikes called inflorescences that can be white or pale yellow. It can thrive perfectly in a pot, in sunny or shady environments. Now, would you like to know how long does it take to grow Mimosa hostilis?
How long does it take to grow Mimosa hostilis?
Mimosa hostilis grows rapidly after germination of its seeds. From 2 to 4 weeks we can already perceive its growth, so it is very important not only to make sure to use seeds in good conditions, but also to use a suitable type of substrate, although it can grow in almost any soil.
This shrub reaches its maximum height (between 8-10 meters) at approximately 10 years of age, although in its first two years it manages to reach one meter in height. This shrub has two methods for the seeds to germinate and grow properly at home, since in its natural state in open areas, the seeds are usually scattered and disseminated by the action of the elements (wind-rain).
The first of these methods consists of helping the seeds to germinate by subjecting them to a process of thermal scarification, which consists of subjecting the seeds to heat by immersing them in hot water for a certain period of time, and the second, although it has some similarities with the first, is a little simpler. Let us look at each of these procedures in detail.
Cultivation of Mimosa hostilis
Method 1. (Thermal scarification)
Step 1
Place the necessary amount of water in a container (pot, pan) according to the amount of seeds to be germinated, heat to boiling point and turn off.
Step 2
File each seed until it is cut in half. Soak them in the boiled water for two hours until the seeds swell and open.
Step 3
Cover the seeds with kitchen paper or a damp cloth and place them in a plastic bag. Store them for seven days in a place where the sun’s rays do not reach them directly, always maintaining humidity.
During this time, the progress of germination should be checked daily.
Step 4
When the seeds have emerged, you should plant it in a pot with fertilized soil or directly in the ground, but no more than two seeds should be placed in the case of pots, and if you choose the second option, you should sow them leaving a prudent distance between each germinated seed.
Method 2
This method is very similar to the previous one, but with some variations in the process. Let’s see:
- Add water in a glass or cup and soak the seeds for 24 hours.
- Fill a seedling tray with prepared soil, and if you don’t have it you can also use an empty egg carton and fill each space in it, then water the soil.
- Place 1 to 2 seeds in each seedbed space and cover them with a little more compost.
- Take the seedbed to a place where the sun’s rays do not fall directly on the seedling. Water the plants constantly and after two weeks they will have grown sufficiently to achieve viability.
Can Mimosa hostilis be grown in any climate?
The answer is no. Mimosa Hostilis is a tropical shrub that does not thrive in cold climates, so in countries where there are four seasons, it should be planted in spring, and sheltered from the cold indoors in a lighted room during the winter season.
Uses of Mimosa Hostilis
Due to its excellent properties, this plant provides favorable benefits to those who prefer naturopathic medicine. Some of
Injuries and burns:
This is one of the most common uses of Mimosa hostilis. To prepare it, boil and reduce a portion of the bark of the plant proportional to the size of the wound to be healed. Let it cool and then add the liquid on the burn.
Cosmetics manufacturing
The bark of this shrub is used to make cosmetic products for various uses such as soaps, shampoos and moisturizers. Its benefits for skin rejuvenation have gradually become popular, being one of the beauty secrets of actress Salma Hayek, who even has a line of cosmetics that include Mimosa hostilis as one of its main ingredients.
Much has also been said about its effectiveness in strengthening the scalp and helping to prevent hair loss, so it is now an essential ingredient in many hair products.
Ornaments
It also serves as a decorative plant during its first years of growth, since it does not usually reach a large size during its first 4 years. It can be used to be hung in nurseries or placed in vases even in the interior of apartments.
It does not need a large space, only to be in an appropriate climate protected from the cold and direct sunlight.
Dye
The reddish color of its bark is used to extract natural dyes that are used especially in the leather industry to dye the skins.
Wood
The hardness of its trunk, despite not being a very thick bush, has been used as a material for the construction of furniture, fences, suspension bridges and stairs.
Beverages
In some Latin American countries such as Brazil, Nicaragua and Mexico, where this shrub is also known as “jurema”, an artisanal wine is usually prepared with the root of the plant, which is used in many religious rituals performed by the indigenous groups of these countries.
Other uses:
Other ways to take advantage of this plant are: for the reforestation of areas devastated by fires or erosion, thanks to the numerous propagation of seeds in open areas and its rapid growth, as well as acting as a fertilizer for its bacterial properties that help fix oxygen in the soil.
As food for some animal herds, since its leaves and fruit contain a high nutritional content that makes it very palatable to animals such as cows and goats.
