In the world of botany and medicinal plants, it is common to find similarities between species and sometimes it is difficult to recognize them and tell them apart. This is the case of mimosa hostilis vs acacia confusa. These two trees have many similarities and it is not strange that they cause confusion when it comes to differentiate them. Both have elements and properties that make them allies in the world of medicine due to their pharmacological properties.
Acacia confusa comes from Taiwan and Southeast Asia (China, Philippines, and Japan). Like mimosa hostilis, acacia confusa is a member of the fabaceae family. It belongs to the leguminosae. It is considered a traditional medicinal plant in Taiwan an it is popularly known by the names acacia petit feuille, formosan koa, and in Taiwan as formosa acacia. While mimosa hostilis is native to South and Central America, especially from Brazil and Mexico.
Mimosa Hostilis vs Acacia Confusa: how to tell them apart
When we talk about mimosa hostilis vs. acacia confusa, we find two plants full of elements and medicinal properties of great resemblance and this usually generates confusion but it is enough to observe and study them more carefully to differentiate them and appreciate their particular value, their similarities and differences. Starting from its place of origin, its elements and parts, to its uses and benefits.
Acacia confusa grows mainly in tropical and semitropical climates but is resistant to strong environmental changes. It survives and adapts very well to Taiwan’s climate which can be drought for up to 6 months at a time and then of heavy rains. This plant is protected in Taiwan because it helps prevent landslides caused by earthquakes and heavy rains. Mimosa hostilis prefers humid climates and warm areas.
While mimosa hostilis trees are generally 4 meters tall and can grow up to 8 meters, acacia confusa trees can grow up to 15 meters tall. The flowers of acacia confusa are yellow while those of mimosa hostilis are white-yellow. Both trees have fruits that are very similar seed pods and very similar oval and lenticular seeds.
One of the differences between the two plants is that mimosa hostilis has leaves while the acacia confusa does not. The leaves of the mimosa hostilis can be between 10 and 25 centimeters long. The acacia confusa, instead of leaves, presents phyllodes up to 11 centimeters long with a waxy and woody texture. The stems of acacia confusa are rough although they do not have thorns while that of mimosa hostilis does and these can be up to 3 centimeters long.
Acacia confusa is also found in Hawaii although it is not a native plant but has been planted by humans and has become an invasive species. This plant has the tendency to spread and this can damage the ecosystem of Hawaii. Therefore, the collection of acacia confusa bark in Hawaii does not cause environmental damage, but on the contrary, it can be considered an environmental control measure.
Uses of Mimosa Hostilis vs Acacia Confusa
- In Taiwan, the wood of acacia confusa is used for the construction of support beams for mines because of its high strength. Like it, the wood of mimosa hostilis is also used for the construction of poles, bridges and furniture because of its high tannin content. Both woods are strong and rot resistant.
- Both mimosa hostilis and acacia confusa wood are excellent for charcoal.
- Both plants have great medicinal and traditional value. Acacia confusa is available in herbal medicine stores.
- Both plants possess pharmacological components that make them of great interest to the scientific world. Acacia confusa has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties while mimosa hostilis has antibacterial, antimicrobial and skin regenerative properties.
- Due to their high tannin content, the barks of both plants are used to make vegetable dyes that are used to dye textiles and leather.
- In some places, the powder of the seeds of acacia confusa is used as a condiment to prepare some typical dishes, but these seeds must be treated in a special way by the natives to avoid causing any harm to those who consume them.
- The roots of the acacia confusa are of aesthetic value due to their beautiful yellow exterior and dark red interior caused by tannins and are often used to make very resistant handicrafts since this wood is harder than maple.
- Mimosa Hostilis serves as fodder for bees, especially in times of drought and also serves as food for local animals and livestock that feed on its leaves and pods, which are a rich source of protein.
- Mimosa hostilis also has cosmetic and aesthetic uses. It is increasingly common to find products such as shampoo and soaps containing mimosa hostilis and these have given good results in the treatment of acne, scars, wrinkles, hair loss, dandruff and seborrhea among other skin conditions.
Benefits of Mimosa Hostilis vs Acacia Confusa
- Acacia confusa helps prevent landslides and soil erosion when there are earthquakes and very heavy rains. That is why its logging represents a negative impact on the Taiwanese ecosystem and its bark is usually collected from logs that have fallen naturally due to heavy rains.
- For its part, mimosa hostilis has agroforestry benefits because, due to its nitrogen-fixing bacteria, this tree helps bioremediation of soils and combats erosion and drought while favoring reforestation of the soil where it is found.
- Mimosa hostilis has antiobiotic and antimicrobial properties as well as skin regenerative properties. Acacia confusa has pharmacological, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The heartwood extract of acacia confusa contains large amounts of phenolic compounds and flavonoids that make it a good element in anti-inflammatory drugs and medicinal supplements.
- Acacia confusa provides medicinal and pharmacological benefits due to its phenolic compounds, flavonoids, flavonol glycoside and phenolic acid derivatives. It provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This is why it is of great interest in the world of medicine and increasingly arouses more scientific interest and studies on its properties and its uses in the world of medicine and for well-being and health.
