Formosa and Mimosa resound one another, leading the gardeners to think of the same plant, but many are debating over Formosa Tree vs Mimosa Tree. So what is the truth?
There is more to add on Formosa Tree vs Mimosa Tree. So go through the article to clearly distinguish them.
Table of Contents Show
Are Formosa Tree and Mimosa Tree The Same?
People often mistake Formosa Tree and Mimosa Tree as the same since they are flowering plants with a similar appearance.
They share compound leaves with a pinnate structure that gives them a feathery appearance, making Fermosa Trees similar to Mimosas.
Also, Formosa and Mimosa are deciduous legumes that belong to the same Fabaceae family.
Even the scientific name is enough to conclude that they are different species with different growth patterns.
Formosa Tree Vs Mimosa Tree: Major Differences
The leaf pattern and appearance can make Formosa and Mimosa Tree the same. But you can find the differences if you go a little closer or wait until they bloom.
Some of the differences between Acacia confusa and Albizia julibrissin (Formosa Tree Vs Mimosa Tree) are as follows.
1. Origin
Starting from the origin, Formosa Tree, commonly known as Formosan koa, is a native to Australia, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia.
Meanwhile, Mimosa Tree, also known as Persian Silk Tree, is a native of Southwestern and East Asia.
2. Flower Appearance
The significant distinction between Formosa and Mimosa is their different flower appearance and structure.
Here, Formosa Tree produces small yellow flowers that resemble typical pea flowers, while Mimosa flowers are pink and have a silky thread-like structure.
In contrast, the Formosa flower is round, ranging from 6 to 8 mm in diameter.
3. Flowering Season
The pom-pom flower of the Mimosa typically blooms during May and can go up to July.
As for the Formosa, the flowering period starts in October or as late as late winter and extends to March.
However, the blooming time can vary according to the climate and geographic location.
4. Plant Size
The plant size can help differentiate Fermosa and Mimosa Tree once they fully grow.
Meanwhile, the Mimosa Tree has dwarf varieties that grow up to a height of 23 feet at most. Also, Mimosa leaves are bipinnate, with each leaflet about 1-1.5 cm long and 2-4 cm wide.
In contrast, Fermosa Tree has 8-10 cm long narrow leaves with 4 to 8 pairs of pinnae that consist of small leaflets. But are larger than the Mimosa Tree leaflets.
So you can say that Fermosa Tree is taller and broader than the Mimosa Tree.
5. Invasiveness
Most trees run wild in their native land, and the Mimosa and Formosa Trees are no different.
However, the zone where they turn to be invasive differs. The Mimosa Tree is widely invasive in parts of the United States.
On the other hand, Formosa Tree becoming invasive has less information. But you cannot neglect its growth rate and spreading quality.
The Formosa Tree uses rhizomes and seeds to spread. Meanwhile, they have become widespread in the tropics of the Pacific area and are considered invasive in Hawaii.
From Editorial Team
Extra Tips!
Keep your livestock, pets, and children away from the tree seedpods, as Mimosa Trees are poisonous due to the alkaloids.
Meanwhile, the Mimosa Tree bark is used mainly in traditional Chinese medicine to reduce pain and anxiety and induce calmness.
