As I wrote in August of 2013, The
Mimosa was introduced to the United States as an ornamental specimen in 1785 by
Filippo Degli Albizzia, a Florentine nobleman. Arriving from Asia, it is also
referred to as the Silk Tree for the texture of its flowers. The sweet scented flowers
have long threadlike pink stamens which are white at the base. They bloom from
June through July as stunning pink powder-puffs which drip with sweet nectar.
Covering the trees, these blossoms attract hummingbirds, honeybees, and
butterflies.
This species of tree likes it hot and
dry and thrives in the southern regions of the United States with relative
ease, growing up to three feet a year, and providing a lovely canopy of mottled
shade allowing the grass to grow underneath the branches.
As with almost every plant and tree on the planet, the
Mimosa has medicinal properties as well. The bark is a bitter and an astringent
containing compounds which are used to shrink inflamed tissues. They are also
used to relieve pain, and contain a sedative which was used to treat insomnia
or anxiety. They increase blood circulation and thus treat heart palpations,
and also act as a diuretic.
The lovely flowers were used to relieve a constrained
liver and acted as an antitoxin providing a cleansing effect on the body. They
have a sedative affect and were used for symptoms of anxiety, insomnia,
irritability, and poor memory. The concoctions made from flowers also relieved
pressure in the chest and gastric pain. Apparently the spectacular Mimosa was a
cure all for many ailments and it is truly a loss that the ‘recipes’ for its
many uses have been lost over time.
The life span of the Mimosa is but 10 to 20 years and sadly, mine has developed a contagious and
fatal disease which is rapidly spreading across the South. The disease is known
as Mimosa wilt and although it begins as a fungus in the root system, external symptoms include leaf yellowing and wilt by early to
midsummer. Some trees die within a few weeks after first wilting but most die slowly
over a year, branch by branch.
Prior to death, trees ooze a frothy liquid from cracks and grow sprouts on trunks. It is this liquid that is her parting gift for it must be amazing in benefits. An abundance of insects have collected at the outside juice bar, all sharing in peaceful harmony... I have observed no squabbles. Butterflies, house and horse flies, many species of ants, shiny green June bugs, bees, three species of wasps, including the notorious and agressive red one have all gathered at dawn to take their fill of the marvelous juice.
May my Mimosa RIP... I shall miss her.
Prior to death, trees ooze a frothy liquid from cracks and grow sprouts on trunks. It is this liquid that is her parting gift for it must be amazing in benefits. An abundance of insects have collected at the outside juice bar, all sharing in peaceful harmony... I have observed no squabbles. Butterflies, house and horse flies, many species of ants, shiny green June bugs, bees, three species of wasps, including the notorious and agressive red one have all gathered at dawn to take their fill of the marvelous juice.
May my Mimosa RIP... I shall miss her.
No comments:
Post a Comment