Mimosa grahamii (Graham's Mimosa)
Family
FABACEAE
Common Name
Graham's Mimosa
Description
Spreading or decumbent shrub, 45.0 to 80.0 cm in height at matruity; the branches glabrous to pubescent, with spines usually somewhat hooked, but some may be straight; leaves 5.0 to 10.0 cm in length, the rachis prickly and with 4 to 8 pairs of pinnae, leaflets 8 to 15 pairs per pinna and 4.0 to 6.0 mm long; flowers white to pink, borne in globose axillary heads; fruits (legumes) linear, flat, not strongly constricted between the seeds, 2.0 to 3.5 cm in length, the margins entire or prickly; the leaves, flowers and fruits ranging from glabrous to pubescent.
Distribution
This uncommon species is confined to dry slopes and mesas in the southwest corner of New Mexico at 1,370-1,830 m (4,500-6,000 ft) in elevation. It is common in Arizona and Mexico where several varieties have been described.
Remarks
May be confused with several other species of Mimosa in southwest New Mexico, and it is not common, at the same time it is not rare.
Conservation Considerations
Uncommon, but not rare in New Mexico, and common in Arizona.
Information Compiled By
Jack Carter 1997
For distribution maps and more information, visit Natural Heritage New Mexico