Albizia julibrissin
Pink Pom Poms
While visiting relatives in Kansas, we enjoyed a stop at the Topeka Zoo. Along with the expected variety of animals, they had a unexpected collection of attractive flowering plants. I spotted the beautiful, unique blooms on this large tree and took a few photos. I later learned this is a Mimosa Tree (Albizia julibrissin).
Though it is revered for its beautiful and fragrant blooms, the mimosa tree is considered an invasive species. It was brought to this continent from China as an ornamental plant about 250 years ago. Like most invasive plants, it reproduces prolifically. The flat seedpods are numerous, tough and can remain dormant for decades, even over long periods of drought.
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