The mimosa genus belongs to the mimosoid family. There is a great diversity of this type of plants, one of the most popular is the so-called pudic or sensitive mimosa because its foliage reacts to heat or touch. Of American origin, with a fast and vigorous growth; however, this type of shrub does not withstand very cold climates.
Mimosa hostilis, also known as mimosa tenuiflora, is a plant native to Mexico, Brazil and Central America that grows naturally. Unlike the mimosa pudica, this one is quite strong and its tree is considered resistant. Although both plants are very similar, today’s guide will show you if the mimosa pudica is the same as the mimosa hostilis, its advantages, uses, and much more. Let’s get started!
What is the mimosa pudica?
This plant is native to America and belongs to the Fabaceae family, and can be easily distinguished because it reacts to touch as a method of defense against possible predators. Among its main characteristics are the following:
- Does not withstand low temperatures
- It is a perennial plant
- Its size does not reach 50 centimeters in height.
- Its flower is small pink and measures at least 2 centimeters.
- Has large roots
- The life time is approximately 5 years
Properties of the mimosa pudica
- The root of the sleepyhead is sour and refreshing.
- Used to treat leprosy
- Serves as a natural remedy for fatigue, asthma and blood diseases.
- Prevents complications in vaginal or uterine inflammations.
- It is an ideal compound to treat insomnia.
- It stands out as part of the traditional medicine applied in Asia.
- Helps fight gastritis, diarrhea and constipation
Benefits of mimosa púdica
There are many medicinal benefits that the mimosa pudica can provide you with; however, below we will point out the main advantages that making it part of your life will provide you with.
- Thanks to its astringent and anti-inflammatory roots, it is used to treat a variety of conditions
- Its seeds are used as an emetic
- It is a powerful natural remedy to treat rheumatoid arthritis.
- Its leaves are very useful to reduce toothache, it also reduces hemorrhages.
- Its ethanolic leaf extract reduces gastric acid secretion and the number of ulcers that occur in the stomach.
- Helps the healing of wounds, simply remove the set of leaves and apply it on the wound.
- It is rich in astringent and analgesic compounds that are added in herbal tea.
What is mimosa hostilis?
Mimosa hostilis is also known as mimosa teniuflora, and grows in Central America, Brazil and Mexico. Naturally, the mimosa belongs to a tropical rainforest ecosystem where it is hit by torrential rains in prolonged and dry seasons. It can also be found in hostile terrain or along roads.
Regarding its most outstanding characteristics, it has a small flower and hairs from which its fruits and pods are born. However, in its roots and bark is where you can find most of its medicinal compounds used to treat burns and skin diseases.
Properties of mimosa hostilis
- Eliminates microbial infections
- Gives relief from bleeding
- It is used to treat ulcers, acne and herpes.
- Strengthens the scalp
- Helps recovery from burns and various skin diseases
- Provides skin rejuvenation
Benefits provided by mimosa hostilis
The use of mimosa hostilis can provide many benefits to your health, but, the most prominent are:
- Rejuvenates the skin: Thanks to its antioxidant compounds, it helps to recover the skin’s firmness, making it look rejuvenated and completely healthy.
- Sedative effect: This is one of the most outstanding effects of mimosa hostilis, as it provides a sedative effect to treat various wounds, likewise, serves to achieve a restful sleep if you are a victim of insomnia.
- Treatment of skin diseases: One of its greatest contributions is that it is used to treat skin diseases, it also helps to reduce blemishes or acne that appear on the body and that generally cannot be cured with chemical products available in the market.
- Provides a good healing process: According to numerous studies currently carried out, it has been proven that this plant has different properties to treat wounds, in particular, those related to healing, making them heal much faster.
- It is a protector of the immune system: The mimosa hostilis plant is composed of various substances that serve as antibiotics. Also, the use of this plant helps to treat viral conditions such as colds and flu.
Similarities between mimosa púdica and hostilis
As mentioned above, these plants have many similarities among them, the most important being:
- Both are part of the kingdom plantae
- They are part of the same Fabaceae family.
- They are angiospermaceous flowering plants that produce seeds.
Difference between mimosa pudica and hostilis
Although they belong to the same Fabaceae family, these plants have important differences that must be taken into consideration.
- The mimosa hostilis does not have a nictinastic movement to the touch, that is, it does not fall asleep when touched by a person. Whereas, the mimosa pudica shows this movement when subjected to touch.
- Mimosa hostilis produces a fragrant white flower, while mimosa pudica produces only a purple flower.
- The mimosa hostilis is not as thickly covered, which allows for better germination, on the other hand, the seed of the mimosa pudica is thick and it is difficult to germinate.
Is mimosa pudica the same as mimosa hostilis?
After analyzing each of the above aspects, it can be concluded that, although both plants belong to the same fabaceae family, their properties and uses are completely different and it will depend on the condition you are looking to treat, which one is the most ideal for you.
It is recommended that you consult the risks or dangers involved in using each one of them, so that you can take full advantage of their benefits and healing properties.