''Mimosa quadrivalvis'', known as fourvalve mimosa, sensitive briar and cat's claw, is a trailing vine native to North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. It is known as sensitive briar because the leaves fold when they are touched or disturbed.

Description

It is a sprawling, herbaceous plant with alternate leaves. Each leaf is compound with up to 16 pairs of leaflets that fold together when touched. The stem is covered with small recurved prickles. The flowerheads comprise round clusters of numerous pink flowers, each flower only long with exserted stamens. The fruits are also prickly. Flowering occurs from May through September.

Varieties

Five varieties are accepted. *''Mimosa quadrivalvis'' var. ''diffusa'' – western Mexico *''Mimosa quadrivalvis'' var. ''jaliscensis'' – southwestern Mexico *''Mimosa quadrivalvis'' var. ''paucijuga'' – northeastern Mexico *''Mimosa quadrivalvis'' var. ''quadrivalvis'' – Mexico (Veracruz) and Belize *''Mimosa quadrivalvis'' var. ''urbaniana'' – Puerto Rico

Distribution and habitat

''Mimosa quadrivalvis'' is native to Mexico, Belize, and Puerto Rico. Its habitat includes glades, open woods, thickets, prairies, and roadsides.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q15454136 quadrivalvis Flora of Belize Flora of Mexico Flora of Puerto Rico Plants described in 1753 Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus