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Touch Me Not

Mimosa pudica

Basic Details

Description

Floral Formula

Features

Translations

Basic Details

NameTouch Me Not

DescriptionFascinating plant famous for its rapid leaf-folding response when touched, shaken, or exposed to heat, earning names like 'Sensitive Plant' and 'Shy Plant.' Delicate, fern-like compound leaves fold inward and droop within seconds of stimulation, reopening after 15-30 minutes. Pink, fluffy pom-pom flowers appear throughout warm months, followed by prickly seed pods that also respond to touch by curling up.

FamilyFabaceae

GenusMimosa

TribeMimoseae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral Formula⊕ ⚥ K(5) C(5) A∞ G1

Radially symmetrical, bisexual, 5 fused sepals, 5 fused petals, numerous (10-100+) free stamens (showy part of flower), 1 free carpel with superior ovary typical of Mimoseae

Features

Name 'Mimosa pudica' combines Latin 'mimus' (mimic/actor) and 'pudica' (shy/bashful), describing the plant's dramatic folding response. This thigmonastic movement is a defense mechanism against herbivores and helps reduce water loss. Plant also exhibits nyctinasty, folding leaves at night
Small, pink to lavender pom-pom flowers measuring 0.5-1 inch across, composed of numerous thread-like stamens radiating from center. Flowers appear singly or in clusters on long stalks. Followed by flat, prickly seed pods that break into segments when mature
Tender perennial herb with creeping, trailing stems, often grown as annual in cold climates. Blooms summer through fall. Stems have small prickles. Leaves are bipinnate (doubly compound) with 10-26 leaflets per pinna, closing when touched or at night
Grows 6-18 inches (15-45 cm) tall with trailing stems spreading 2-3 feet. Lifespan of 1-2 years in cultivation, though can persist longer in tropical climates. Propagated easily from seed, which germinates in 7-14 days
Native to Central and South America, particularly Brazil. Now naturalized throughout tropics and subtropics worldwide. Considered invasive weed in some regions. Found in disturbed areas, roadsides, and waste ground
Thrives in full sun to partial shade with warm temperatures (70-85°F/21-29°C). Prefers moist, well-drained soil but tolerates various conditions. Frost-sensitive. Can be grown as houseplant or in containers
Used in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for wounds, inflammation, and various ailments. Contains bioactive compounds with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Popular educational plant for demonstrating plant movement and sensitivity

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificMimosa pudica

English (Alternate)Sensitive Plant, Shy Plant, Sleepy Plant, Shameplant, and Action Plant

Hindiछुईमुई (Chhui-mui), लज्जावती (Lajjavātī)

Tamilதோட்டால் சுருங்கி (Tōṭṭāl Curuṅki)

Teluguఅట్టిపట్టి (Āṭṭipaṭṭi)

Malayalamതോത്താവാടി (Tōttāvāṭi)

Kannadaಮುಟ್ಟಿದರೆ (Muṭṭidare)

Sanskritलज्जालु (Lajjālu), लज्जावती (Lajjāvatī)

Bengaliলজ্জাবতী (Lajjābatī)

Frenchsensitive, mimeuse pudique

Russianмимоза стыдливая (mimoza stydlivaya)

Spanishmimosa púdica, dormidera

GermanMimose, Schamhafte Sinnpflanze

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula

% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G₂

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.