Mimosa pudica

Mimosa pudica is a perennial herb of the Fabaceae family, also known as the pea or legume family. It is most commonly known for its rapid plant movement and sensitivity to touch, which has earned it the nicknames touch-me-not, shy plant, and shame plant.

Description

Mimosa pudica is a creeping annual or perennial herb often grown for its curiosity value: the compound leaves fold inward and droop when touched or shaken, re-opening minutes later. The species is native to South America and Central America, but is now a pantropical weed.

Habitat and Distribution

Mimosa pudica is native to the tropical regions of Central and South America, and it has since been naturalized around the world. It thrives in poor soil, requiring little nutritional input. It is often found in disturbed areas such as roadsides, lawns, agricultural fields, and pastures.

Growth and Development

Mimosa pudica grows rapidly and produces a flower within a month of germination. The plant's growth habit is typically sprawling and ground-covering, with stems that can reach up to 5 feet in length. The leaves are bipinnate, meaning they are divided into many small leaflets, and they are sensitive to touch, light, and heat.

Uses

Mimosa pudica has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It is believed to have antivenom properties and has been used to treat a variety of conditions, including wounds, burns, and skin diseases. It is also used as a ground cover in some areas due to its rapid growth and ability to thrive in poor soils.

See Also

• Plant physiology
• Rapid plant movement
• Traditional medicine