What are the characteristics of the sensitive plant and why does it close up?

The sensitive plant is a perennial herb or subshrub in the Fabaceae family, with the scientific name Mimosa pudica, also known as zhixiucao, huhecao, and paichoucao. It grows in clusters, and the base of the stem becomes woody. It can reach up to 1 m in height and has poor cold tolerance. It is native to the tropical regions of the Americas. Now let's get to know the characteristics of the sensitive plant!

1. The most notable characteristic of the sensitive plant is that when it is stimulated (such as by touch), the leaf surface contracts and folds together. If the stimulus is stronger, this stimulus is quickly transmitted in sequence to the neighboring leaflets, and even to the leaflets of the entire compound leaf, causing the petiole to droop. If the stimulus is strong enough, it can even cause the leaflets of the entire plant to close and the compound leaves to droop. But after a period of time, it can return to its original state. The sensitive plant also reacts very quickly to vibration; it begins to respond 0.1 s after being stimulated, and completes the response within a few seconds.

2. At night, the sensitive plant also closes its leaflets and droops its petioles. During the day, when some leaflets are shaken, they also close in pairs. It is more sensitive when the light is weak. Normally, the water in the pulvinus supports the leaf blades; but when it is stimulated by an external force, the water in the pulvinus immediately flows elsewhere, causing the leaves of the sensitive plant to close. In addition, at night it automatically contracts (that is, sleep movement). This unique trait is also exactly the source of the sensitive plant's name and nickname.

3. Because the sensitive plant has strong vitality and grows rather untidily, many places classify it as a type of grass, but in fact it also blooms. The flowering period of the sensitive plant is from July to October each year, but its flowering period is very short; the flowers fade less than two days after blooming. The flowers are pink, and the capitulum is spherical, shaped like a pom-pom. After flowering, it also produces pods, and the fruit is flat and round.

4. The flower language of the sensitive plant is sensitivity, shyness, and politeness. Gently touching the leaves of this plant causes them to immediately close and droop, and even a gust of wind can produce this effect, just like a shy young girl, so its flower language is - shyness. People born under the blessing of this flower have a very shy and timid personality and are very afraid of strangers. They are especially keen in perception and also have a strong sense of self-esteem.

The characteristics of the sensitive plant make people fall in love with it involuntarily. If you grow such a sensitive plant at home, when you are feeling troubled, touch it and it will close its leaves. Isn't that quite fun?