Sensitive Plant / Mimosa🌿

A perennial (annual in Japan) in the legume family, native to Brazil, grown worldwide as an ornamental. Upon touch, the leaflets fold rapidly and the petiole droops — the basis of its Japanese names 'ojigi-sō' (bowing plant) and 'ganshū-sō' (bashful plant). The leaves also perform this movement at night (nyctinasty). In summer, it bears fluffy pink spherical flower heads. A classic subject for research on plant movement and electrical signalling. Distinct from the related nemu-no-ki.

Identification Points

• ✓Bipinnate leaves; leaflets close and petiole drops on touch
• ✓Thorny stems, 30–60 cm tall
• ✓Fluffy pink spherical flower heads 1–2 cm across

Morphological TraitsAI-estimated, needs verification

Phylogenetic Positionマメ科 →