(Mimosa pigra)
Status of mimosa in Tasmania
Image: branch of mimosa.
Mimosa is a
declared weed in Tasmania under the Tasmanian Biosecurity Act 2019 and associated Regulations. The importation, sale and distribution of mimosa are prohibited in Tasmania.
Mimosa is also a
Weed of National Significance (WONS).
The legal responsibilities of landholders and other stakeholders in dealing with mimosa are laid out in the mimosa Statutory Weed Management Plan.
What does mimosa look like?
Mimosa is a branched prickly shrub growing to 6 metres. The leaves are fern-like and fold up at night or to the touch. The stems and branches bear thorns. The pink to mauve flowers are borne in round flower heads. The seeds are carried in olive-brown seed pods which turn brown and break into segments when mature.
Spread is via seed. Seed is carried in floodwaters, on clothing and by animals.
Impacts of mimosa
Mimosa is a serious weed of tropical wetlands.
Where does mimosa occur?
Mimosa is a native of tropical America. In Australia, mimosa has naturalised in the Northern Territory, Western Australia and Queensland.
Mimosa does not occur in Tasmania.
What you need to do
If you locate mimosa anywhere in Tasmania, or if you find a plant that you think could be mimosa, immediately contact Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 to report this weed.
See also
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