 "Mimosa pigra" was described as having an erect prickle between the pinnae and "Mimosa asperata" as having prickles in opposite pairs between the pinnae.Further research showed that both leaf forms can occur on the same plant, and consequently both species were united under the name "Mimosa asperata asperata", and later on, renamed "Mimosa pigra".The scientific name remains "Mimosa pigra".