Friday Facts: Touch Me Not

3, Jan 2025 | nepaltraveller.com

While travelling to subtropical and tropical areas, you must’ve come across an absolutely fascinating creation of nature, which is Mimosa Pudica, also commonly known as Touch-Me-Not, a plant whose leaves fold up instantly when touched, as if it’s shy and ticklish! But a few minutes later, it opens back up as if it’s overcoming its shyness, leaving people baffled and amazed.

This plant which has left people wondering about it ever since they’ve had the experience of witnessing it’s weird but fun characteristic, deserves to be known about. So here are a few fun facts about this amazing plant!

 

1. It Moves When Touched!


Mimosa pudica’s leaves fold inward and droop dramatically when touched, as if it’s shy or scared. This movement, called thigmonasty, happens in seconds and is thought to scare off hungry predators.

2. It sleeps Like a Baby


Weird to think that a plant can have its own bedtime routine because at night, Mimosa pudica closes its leaves and "goes to sleep." This process, called nyctinasty, which helps it conserve water or stay safe from chilly temperatures.

3. It’s a Bug Repellent in Disguise


Not only does it move to scare bugs away, but it also produces chemicals that act as natural insect repellents. No bug would want to mess with it, after seeing such defenses!

4. It’s a Tiny Green Doctor


People have been using Mimosa pudica for centuries to heal wounds and treat skin problems. Its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a handy plant for natural remedies.

Touch me not Plant

5. It Reacts to Light and Shadows


This plant doesn’t just respond to touch—it also reacts to changes in light and shadows. It’s like having built-in motion detectors to stay alert at all times!

6. Surprise! It Has Flowers Too


Most people are so mesmerized by its moving leaves that they don’t notice its beautiful flowers. Mimosa pudica grows soft, pinkish-purple blooms that look like tiny, fluffy pom-poms. So yes, it’s a plant, a performer, and a flower show all in one!

These were some of the fun facts about the plant. Next time you see these plants make sure to remember these facts to appreciate it even more!

Photo Credit-Chandan Chaurasiya, Jules a, Rahul Saraf, greenparadiselive.com. 

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