Mimosa Pudica A “Shy” Plant

Mimosa Pudica with Close and Open Leaves

There are different kinds of plants. And there are plants with very unique features. A Mimosa Pudica possesses a very unique characteristic. It is often and popularly called “makahiya” in the Philippines taken from its name Pudica which means “shy”.

Are you wondering why a Mimosa Pudica folds its leaves when touched or shaken? Well, it is scientifically explained that this happens when the leaves lose turgor pressure. The force that is applied into the cell wall by water and other cell contents is called the turgor pressure. This pressure enables the plant to stay upright. A sagging plant is a result when chemicals in the plant force the water to leave the cell that happnes when it is disturbed by a stimulus. This movement of the plant is called seismonastic movements. The re-opening and sunrise of the leaves is termed as thigmonasty movement.