Invasive weeds of Tahiti, No. 1

Mimosa diplotricha, also known as the giant sensitive plant, is a species in the Fabaceae family.

A native from Brazil, it is extremely invasive in the Pacific, where it has been introduced on all island groups, except (so far) Tonga. It was introduced on Niuē around 2000, but an ongoing eradication program has virtually destroyed all occurrences there.

Left undisturbed, the plant can grow 2 meters high and its big and sharp spines make it indeed a very unwelcome guest.

Mimosa is a genus of about 400 species of herbs and shrubs, in the subfamily Mimosoideae of the legume family Fabaceae. The generic name is derived from the Greek word μιμος (mimos), meaning "mimic."

There are two species in the genus that are notable^{[citation needed]}. One is Mimosa pudica, because of the way it folds its leaves when touched or exposed to heat. It is native to southern Central and South America but is widely cultivated elsewhere for its curiosity value, both as a houseplant in temperate areas, and outdoors in the tropics. Outdoor cultivation has led to weedy invasion in some areas, notably Hawaii. The other is Mimosa tenuiflora, which is best known for its use in shamanic ayahuasca brews due to the psychedelic drug DMT found in its root bark.