Mimosa Wood Information

Mimosa trees bloom fragrant, fluffy flowers in late spring to early summer.

Mimosa (scientific name Mimosa hostilis or Mimosa tenuiflora) is a low-branching, fast-growing deciduous tree that blooms fragrant, fluffy flowers in late spring to early summer. The mimosa tree is native to central and southern America. It is cultivated largely for ornamental purposes and finds extensive use in construction and medicine.

General Information

Mimosa trees are fast growing, with fern like branches that are covered in tiny leaves. Trees reach a maximum height of 8 meters (approximately 315 inches) within 5 to 10 years. Mimosa trees suit USDA Zone 9, where the minimum temperature ranges from 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. They are common in Guetemala, Panama, Nicaragua, southern Mexico and Columbia.

Physical Properties

Mimosa wood is durable, strong and has a density of 1.11 (measured in grams per centimeter cube). It is reddish brown with a light yellow center. Mimosa wood is a diffuse porous wood and is suitable for charcoal and the production of fuel wood.

Chemical Properties

Mimosa hostilis wood is reported to contain N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), which is a hallucinogen. DMT is classified as a Schedule I drug in the United States. According to Enno Freye and Joseph V. Levy in the "Pharmacology and Abuse of Cocaine, Amphetamines, Ecstasy and Related," DMT is the primary alkaloid in mimosa wood.

Mimosa wood contains high amounts of tannin (approximately 16 percent). Tannin is a naturally occurring substance that prevents the wood from rotting.

Medicinal Importance

According to Kurt Hostettmann, M. P. Gupta and Andrew Marston in the book "Chemistry, Biological, and Pharmacological Properties of Medicinal Plants," the bark of the mimosa tree is used in traditional medicine to prevent inflammation and to treat burns. The starches, vegetable fibers and high tannin levels present in mimosa wood effectively increase the regeneration of skin cells in burn victims. A blend of mimosa bark and its leaves is effective against mouth sores and inflammations.

Uses

Mimosa wood is used to make furniture, wheels and bridges. Mimosa trees are grown extensively in North America for ornamental purposes. Its high tannin content makes it suitable for fence construction and other outdoor construction use. Infusions made from mimosa wood are used as pest repellents due to their tannin levels. According to a study conducted by Universidade Federal de Campina Grande in Brazil, mimosa wood can be used as roughage and fodder for domesticated animals during famine and drought. Its shavings can be added to food for sheep, goats and cows.

References

• Universidade Federal de Campina Grande: Results of 2007 Symposium
• Purdue University: Mimosa Wood
• United Nations University: Mimosa Hostilis
• National Genetic Resources Program: Mimosa
• "Chemistry, Biological, and Pharmacological Properties of Medicinal Plants"; Kurt Hostettmann, M. P. Gupta, Andrew Marston; 1999