MIMOSA PIGRA, GIANT SENSATIVE TREE

Growth habit

Did you know?

Mimosa pigra is one of the worst weeds of a number of tropical countries and is well established as the worst weed of the Top End of the Northern Territory of Australia.
It has now been found in Queensland, but if it were to become established Mimosa pigra would pose a severe threat to a number of industries and the wetland areas of the humid and sub-humid tropics.

Mature plant

The Problem

Mimosa pigra forms dense, imprenetrable thickets, 4-5 metres high. It establishes along riverbanks and encroachs into billabongs and out into drier floodplains.
Accessibility to water for stock, irrigation and recreation purposes is affected. Pastures are smothered, reducing available grazing area, and stock mustering is difficult.
In conservation areas dense growth eliminates most other species and alters the natural habitat.

Buds and flowers

Have You Seen It?

Mimosa pigra must be kept out of Queensland, or any unidentified infestations located and destroyed.
All suspected infestations should be reported to the nearest office of the Department of Natural Resources.

Mature seed pods

The main Mimosa Pigra infestation at Peter Faust Dam

The alarm has been raised locally with the discovery of this potentially devastating weed at Peter Faust Dam near Proserpine, the first site outside of the Northern Territory.

Close-up of the infestation

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines is monitoring the situation and has a strategic plan in place to counteract the damaging effects of this weed.

Typical seedling regrowth

One of the main problems of mimosa pigra is that it forms dense monocultures and suppresses other vegetation as well as impacts on fish life.