Common Names:
- Sensitive Plant
- Touch-Me-Not
- Humble Plant
Phonetic Spelling:
mi-MO-suh POO-di-kuh
Description:
- Appearance: Mimosa pudica is a small, shrubby plant with fern-like leaves and small, round, pink or purple flowers that resemble fluffy balls.
- Leaves: The leaves are compound and highly sensitive, folding inward and drooping when touched or exposed to heat, a defense mechanism against predators.
- Flowers: The flowers are small, globular clusters of tiny pink or purple blossoms that bloom in the summer.
- Fruits: The fruit is a small, flat pod containing several seeds.
Distribution/Location:
- Geographic Range: Native to South and Central America but has spread to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
- Habitat: Commonly found in grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed soils in tropical climates.
Environmental Concerns:
- Conservation Status: Not currently endangered, but can become invasive in some regions.
- Conservation Efforts: Managed in areas where it becomes invasive, but generally not a major conservation concern.
Fun Fact:
The Sensitive Plant is famous for its rapid leaf movements in response to touch or other stimuli, a phenomenon known as thigmonasty. This unique trait has made it a popular plant in botanical gardens and as a curiosity in home gardens.
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