Mimosa pudica

9th January 2022

Mimosa pudica

The Sensitive Plant or Touch-me-not Plant is a tropical American native which has been introduced to many other countries and can be a weed where the climate suits it. It is grown as a tender houseplant curiosity here because of its rapid leaf movement, which is almost unique (the Venus Fly Trap comes close). Many plants in the Mimosa family fold their pinnate leaves at night - the compound leaves of the Sensitive Plant react to mechanical stimulation (touching, blowing, shaking), almost immediately, folding in and drooping when touched or shaken, defending themselves from harm, and re-open a few minutes later.