Mimosa is a genus of plants. It includes around 400 different species of herbs and shrubs. It is classified in the subfamily Mimosoideae of the legume family Fabaceae. The word "mimosa" comes from the Greek word μιμος that means "mimic".
The best known species of mimosa are Mimosa pudica and Mimosa tenuiflora. Mimosa pudica is found in Central and South America. When touched or heated, it folds its leaves. Mimosa tenuiflora is used by shamans (traditional magical) healer. It is used in ayahuasca brews (a "magic" drink) because of the psychedelic drug N,N-Dimethyltryptamine DMT in its roots.