Family: Fabaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Mimosa diplotricha, commonly known as giant sensitive plant, is a sprawling, thorny shrub native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It is recognized for its fern-like leaves that fold inward when touched, a characteristic shared with other “sensitive plants.” This fast-growing species can form dense, tangled thickets several feet tall and is armed with curved prickles along its stems. In some regions it has been introduced as a cover crop, green manure, or for erosion control, while its unusual touch-sensitive foliage has also made it a curiosity in ornamental plantings.

Risks & Threats:
Although giant sensitive plant is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses several traits that are cause for concern in tropical island ecosystems. This species grows rapidly, produces abundant long-lived seeds, and can aggressively invade disturbed areas, roadsides, pastures, wetlands, and forest edges. Dense infestations may smother native vegetation, hinder access for people and animals, and interfere with agriculture and grazing lands. Its thorny growth can also create barriers that reduce habitat quality and biodiversity. Because of its invasive tendencies in many tropical regions worldwide, introducing or cultivating this species could detrimentally impact Hawaii’s ecosystems. When possible, Plant Pono recommends choosing low-risk or native alternatives better suited for tropical landscapes without the same invasive potential.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized as a serious weed in tropics (Philippines, SE Asia, Pacific, Australia)
  
• Major agricultural weed (cane fields, pastures, plantations; regulated in Australia)
  
• Congeneric weed (M. pigra invasive)
  
• Produces spines (recurved prickles)
  
• Unpalatable to grazing animals
  
• Toxic to animals and humans (cyanide, nitrite)
  
• Creates fire hazard when dry
  
• Tolerates wide range of soils (light to heavy clay)
  
• Forms dense thickets
  
• Nitrogen-fixing (alters soil fertility)
  
• Viable barbed seeds spread by animals, clothing, machinery, water, produce contamination
  
• Reproduces in <1 year (10 cm plants can set seed)
  
• Persistent seed bank (dormancy up to 50 years)

Low Risk Traits:

• No shade tolerance
  
• No prolific seed production (4–5 seeds/pod)
  
• No vegetative fragmentation
  
• No wind or bird dispersal
  
• Controlled by herbicides and biocontrol (psyllid)