Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Mimosa tenuiflora (jurema, tepezcohuite, or jurema preta) is a thorny shrub or small tree in the pea family (Fabaceae) native to southern Mexico, Central America, northern South America, and northeastern Brazil. It is typically found in tropical dry forests, disturbed sites, roadsides, and abandoned agricultural lands. This fast-growing species produces fern-like bipinnate leaves, fragrant cream-colored flower spikes, and seed pods typical of many legumes. Jurema has a long history of traditional use for firewood, fencing, livestock forage, soil improvement, and medicinal preparations made from the bark. In some regions it is also cultivated for erosion control and cultural uses.

Risks & Threats
Although Mimosa tenuiflora is currently not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses several traits associated with invasive plants and could negatively impact tropical island ecosystems if introduced more widely. This species is tolerant of poor soils, drought, disturbance, and a broad range of environmental conditions. It grows rapidly, produces abundant seeds, and can form dense thickets that may outcompete native vegetation and alter ecosystem processes. As a nitrogen-fixing legume, it also has the potential to change soil chemistry in sensitive habitats, favoring additional invasive species. Related Mimosa species have become problematic weeds in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, raising further concern about its invasive potential. Because of these risks, Plant Pono recommends choosing low-risk or native alternatives whenever suitable options are available.

High Risk Traits:

• Congeneric (M. pigra) is a serious weed
  
• Produces spines
  
• Forms dense, fire-prone thickets
  
• Tolerates wide range of soils
  
• Nitrogen-fixing
  
• Abundant, viable seeds (4+ years persistent)
  
• Dispersed by wind, water, and intentional human use

Low Risk Traits:

• No naturalization or weed status confirmed outside native range
  
• Not shade-tolerant
  
• No vegetative spread
  
• Not dispersed by birds or animals (no gut passage)