[4] Mimosa scabrella (Bracatinga) is a tree in the subfamily Mimosoideae of the family Fabaceae.
[6] The plant is characterized by quick growth, with a lean trunk of around 10–50 cm (3.9–19.7 in) in diameter.
The flowers with ovary, narrow and slender pistils are ordered in clusters of 1–3 at the leaf bases.
[5][6] Because of the abundant flowering and presence of honeydew caused by Cochineal infestation in some altitudes the tree has an important place in honey production, especially in Brazil.
Before the advent of the diesel locomotive, M. scabrella wood was grown to fuel railroads in parts of Brazil.
Because M. scabrella is a legume tree it doesn't need fertilization and with the decomposition of the leaves, big amounts of nitrogen become available for other plants.
Because M. scabrella has beautiful “feather” leaves, it is often used as an ornamental tree or live fence.
[6] Mimosa scabrella contains the alkaloids tryptamine, N-methyltryptamine, N,N-dimethyltryptamine and N-methyltetrahydrocarboline in its bark.
[7] Mimosa scabrella can be grown at altitudes of 200–2,400 m (660–7,870 ft) with an annual mean temperature between 12 and 23 °C (54 and 73 °F).