Mimosæ

Mimosæ, a sub-order of Leguminosæ, distinguished by regular flowers and petals valvate in bud. Over 1500 species are known, all natives of warm climates, a few only extending beyond subtropical regions in the southern hemisphere. The genera Acacia (q.v.) and Mimosa are the best known. To the latter genus belong the Sensitive Plant (q.v.), also a great variety of trees usually of beautiful foliage (though their leaves, as in Acacias, may be reduced to phyllodia) and often also of valuable timber. The fruits are often esteemed, but the roots and seeds not unfrequently possess drastic or even poisonous properties. They are also rich in tannin and gums.