Common Sensitive-Plant

Mimosa pudica L.

Mimosa pudica L., a member of the Fabaceae family, is a creeping flowering plant known for its sensitive leaves that fold inward when touched. Native to regions in South America, including Colombia, it is cultivated for its unique response to stimuli. The plant also exhibits nyctinastic movement, closing its leaves at night and reopening them during the day. It has been recognized by the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK with the Award of Garden Merit.

Description

Mimosa pudica is an annual or perennial legume in the genus Mimosa, characterized by its rapid leaf movement in response to touch or shaking. The plant's foliage reopens within minutes after stimulation. It also undergoes sleep movements, closing during darkness and reopening in light, a phenomenon first studied by Jean-Jacques d'Ortous. The species is widely distributed across various regions in Colombia and is cultivated for its botanical curiosity. Taxonomically, it has been subject to nomenclatural revisions, with Mimosa pudica designated as the generitype under the Vienna Code. The species was first described in 1753.

Other common names

Common Sensitive-PlantSensitiveSensitive GrassSensitive PlantSensitive-PlantSensitive-WeedShame BushShame FaceShame LadyShame Lady ShameShame WeedShameplantTouch-Me-NotWild Tantan

Distribution

Atlántico: Finca El Palomar · Antioquia, Arauca, Atlántico, Bolívar, Casanare, Cesar, Chocó, Córdoba, Cundinamarca, Guainía, Huila, Magdalena, Meta, Nariño, Norte de Santander, San Andrés y Providencia, Tolima, Valle del Cauca · Boyacá; Santa maría · BR · Subregiones: Cordillera occidental, Cordillera central, Norte, Zona central, Sur, Enclaves subxerofíticos · CO · Cuenca río Prado: Vereda Varsovia, Cunday · La Cumbre | Restrepo | Vijes | Tuluá | Bolívar | Piojó · Santuario de Flora y Fauna Guanentá Alto Río Fonce | Parque Nacional Natural Sierra de la Macarena | Parque Nacional Natural El Tuparro | Parque Nacional Natural Tinigua · Distrito Regional de Manejo Integrado (DRMI) Laguna de Sonso, municipio de Guadalajara de Buga, Valle del Cauca, Colombia · TW · MM · VU · ZA · SC · CU · BN · CK · NP · NU · AS · Yap · WS · PW · SB · BD · BI · Saint Barthelemy · TK · NR