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Description
Neptunia Oleracea, commonly known as water mimosa or sensitive neptunia, is a perennial aquatic plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of South America but has become naturalized in other parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia. The plant has small, fern-like leaves that fold up when touched, hence the name “sensitive” neptunia.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Fabales |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Genus | Neptunia |
Appearance
The water mimosa has a prostrate growth habit and can spread up to 2 meters across. Its leaves are small and fern-like, measuring about 1-2 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide. The leaves are arranged in pairs along the stem and fold up when touched, exposing their white undersides. The plant produces yellow, spherical flowers that are about 1 cm in diameter and bloom from late summer to early fall. The fruit is a straight, flat pod that contains several seeds.
Care Guide
Water mimosa is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips:
- Water: The plant requires a consistent supply of water to survive. It can grow in both still and flowing water, but the water should be clean and free of pollutants.
- Fertilization: The plant does not require fertilization but can benefit from occasional applications of a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: Water mimosa can grow in a variety of soils, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
- Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: Water mimosa can grow in USDA hardiness zones 8-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Water mimosa is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it may be affected by fungal diseases such as root rot and leaf spot if grown in poorly drained soils or in standing water. It may also be susceptible to herbivorous fish and snails, which can feed on the plant’s foliage.
Habitat
The water mimosa is native to South America but has become naturalized in other parts of the world, including Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia. The plant grows in both still and flowing bodies of water, including ponds, lakes, and streams.
Question and Answer
Q: Is water mimosa an invasive species?
A: Yes, water mimosa is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world.
Q: Can water mimosa be grown in a container?
A: Yes, water mimosa can be grown in a container filled with water and aquatic soil.
Q: Is water mimosa toxic to humans or animals?
A: No, water mimosa is not toxic to humans or animals.
Q: Can water mimosa survive in cold climates?
A: No, water mimosa cannot survive in climates with temperatures below freezing.
Related Plants
- Neptunia aquatica
- Neptunia lutea
- Neptunia natans
- Neptunia plena
References
- USDA Plants Database. Neptunia oleracea (L.) Benth. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=NEOL
- Missouri Botanical Garden. Neptunia oleracea. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285066&isprofile=0&genus=NEPTUNIA
- Flora of China. Neptunia oleracea. http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=2&taxon_id=242334789
