The sensitive plant, Mimosa pudica
, is so-called because of its unique feature – when the plant is touched, the feathery leaves fold up and the stems droop. Also known as the mimosa plant, it's thought that in the wild, this is a defence against being eaten by herbivores. The effect is due to the quick release of water from special cells at the bases of the individual leaflets and leaf stalks. The plant can take several minutes to unfurl afterwards.
Mimosa plant leaves will also fold up if there's a breeze and also fold up naturally (via another mechanism called nyctinastic movement) at night.
Also known as the humble plant, dancing plant, sensible plant and touch-me-not, Mimosa pudica
is grown as a house plant in the UK. It's easy to grow from seed and is a great plant to grow with kids. Pretty pink-purple pompon flowers may be produced in summer, followed by pods – you can save the seed from these.
