Vascular Plants of the Gila Wilderness

Presented in Association with the
Western New Mexico University Department of Natural Sciences

Mimosa aculeaticarpa Ortega var. biuncifera (Bentham) Barneby
(Wait a Bit, Wait a Minute Bush)


Family: Fabaceae

Status: Native

Synonyms:
Mimosa biuncifera Bentham
Mimosa biuncifera Bentham var. glabrescens Gray
Mimosa biuncifera Bentham var. lindheimeri (Gray) Robinson
Mimosa flexuosa Bentham
Mimosa lindheimeri Gray
Mimosa warnockii B.L. Turner
Mimopsis biuncifera (Bentham) Britton & Rose
Mimopsis biuncifera (Bentham) Britton & Rose var. flexuosa (Bentham) Robinson
Mimopsis flexuosa (Bentham) Britton & Rose

Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera is a shrub found at all but the highest elevations in the Gila National Forest. It is armed with paired curved prickles which are numerous and effective at grabbing clothing and flesh. Mimosa aculeaticarpa is frequently found densely encircling hilltops. The flowers are in globose white clusters, and the leaves are small and pinnately compound. The branches frequently look reddish. The fruits are flattened and curved. The seeds are reddish brown, 3-4mm and ovoid.
Please click on an image for a larger file.



Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos, June 4, 2005



Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Pancho Canyon, May 23, 2007



Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Pancho Canyon, May 23, 2007



Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera, in bloom, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Hoodoo Canyon, May 30, 2007



Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera, in fruit, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Wild Horse Canyon, Aug. 15, 2007



Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera, in fruit, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, CD trail above the Arrastra, Oct. 21, 2008



Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera, 2x macro of seeds, photo Russ Kleinman, Pinos Altos Range, Pinos Altos, Feb. 9, 2009



Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera, closeup of inflorescence, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., WD Ranch Road, July 3, 2009



Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera, closeup of winter twig, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Road, December 28, 2009



Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera, closeup of winter twig, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Road, December 28, 2009



Mimosa aculeaticarpa var. biuncifera, macro of leaf scar of winter twig, photo Russ Kleinman, Burro Mtns., Bill Evans Road, December 28, 2009


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