Desmanthus virgatus (L.) Willd.

Etymology	Genus	After bundle (Desmos) and flower (anthos), referring to the bundled flowers
	Species	Being twiggy; having straight slender twigs
Family		Fabaceae
Synonyms		Mimosa virgata L.
Common Names		Slender Mimosa
Status		Exotic: Naturalised
Form		Shrub
Native Distribution		America (United States to Argentina)

Diagnostics

Desmanthus virgatus is a common species in the scrublands. The leaves resembles several species in the subfamily Mimosoideae, but its messy-looking white inflorescence, and the large nectary glands with a red border are unique.

Interesting Facts

The Slender Mimosa has been suggested to be a promising feed for cattles in gaining protein mass (Sukkasame & Phaikaew, 1998).

References

Sukkasame P & C Phaikaew. (1998) Utilization of Desmanthus virgatus as protein supplement for fattening cattle in southern Thailand. Integrated Crop-Livestock Production Systems and Fodder Trees, 157-159.