abaracaatinga (Mimosa scabrella)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Mimosa scabrella is a fast-growing tree reaching a height of up to 15 m and a trunk diameter of about 10 - 50 cm. It is a cross pollinating species and capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen. It is used as a shade tree in coffee plantations and as green manure. The leaves are bipinnate and yellow green, forming a large, open, and rounded canopy. The white to yellow flowers are formed into clusters at the leaf bases.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Araucaria pine forests at higher elevations, where it is more common in secondary formations. (Zone 10)