Sunday 19 November 2017

Wayside Alien Fabaceae ( Mimosoideae ) @ Seremban2

Leucaena leucocephala ( petai belalang ) has been described as a ‘miracle tree’ for its multiple uses, yet also dubbed as a ‘conflict tree’ as a noxious weed.

Described as the world’s most widely used forage tree legume by FAO, L. leucocephala in an excellent source of high-protein fodder for animal feed and excellent firewood, and efficient in nitrogen fixation.  The young shoots, young pods, and mature seeds are consumed as food for human.  However, it contains mimosine, a toxic amino acid to non-ruminant vertebrates.

Yet, it is listed as one of the 100 worst invasive alien species by IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group.  It can grow wide range of soil and rainfall environment, grows quickly and forms dense thickets and produces large quantity of seeds.

Key words : allelopathic, N-fixation, mimosine. 



Neptunia plena ( aquatic sensitive plant ) is an invasive plant thriving on waterlogged area and watercourses.  It is not confined to wetlands but tolerates considerable flooding.  During dry period, the plants become dormant and persist as seeds.  It can lead to increased algal blooms reduce water quality by preventing light penetration and reduce oxygenation of water. 

N. plena and N. oleracea are both referred as ‘water mimosa’.  Water mimosa is a restricted invasive plant under Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014.

Key words : allelopathic, N-fixation, mimosine. thigmonasty


Mimosa pudica ( sensitive plant )  is most probably the well-known for its rapid plant movement.  It is most often grown as potted plants for its curiosity value.  It also became an ideal plant for experiments regarding plant habituation and memory.

M. pudica has been listed in the Global Invasive Species Databease 2010.

Key words : allelopathic, N-fixation, nyctinastic, mimosine. thigmonasty


Mimosa diplotricha ( giant sensitive plant ) includes 3 varieties : diplotricha, odibilis and inermis

Although M. diplotricha is an excellent ground cover and green manure, it is restricted invasive plant under Queensland’s Biosecurity Act 2014.

Key words : allelopathic, heliophytic, N-fixation, nyctinastic, mimosine. thigmonasty


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