Description
Mimosa pudica
Sensitive Plant—also called Shameplant, Humble Plant, Sleepy Plant, and Touch-Me-Not—is grown primarily for its interest value. The rapid closure of the leaves is startling and fun, gaining special interest with kids and other easily-amused populations.
As the name suggests, the Sensitive Plant’s leaves close upon touching, blowing, warming, or other sensory inputs. This may be to ward off predators or to reduce moisture loss through transpiration.
Shameplants prefer nutrient-poor soil and research shows that this plant bioaccumulates pollutants like arsenic and heavy metals such as lead, copper, and zinc. It also collects nitrogen via the formation of root nodules that invite nitrogen-fixing bacteria to inhabit. This process inundates the plants own systems AND the surrounding soils with nitrogen (essential for photosynthesis).
Sensitive plants are native to the Caribbean and South/Central America. They require full or part sun and plenty of warmth – they may die in shade or frost.
You may notice a similar flowering and growth habit to sunshine mimosa but WITH PRICKLES!
Sensitive Plant can be propagated by seed but be careful! The plant is a ground cover that reseeds easily and is not ideal under-foot! We think it’s best kept in a pot or under close supervision.
