What is the Name of the Plant That Dies When You Touch It?
The plant that appears to die when you touch it is most commonly known as the Mimosa pudica, often referred to as the sensitive plant, touch-me-not, or sleepy plant. While it doesn’t actually die from being touched, its leaves dramatically fold inward and droop downward when disturbed, giving the illusion that it’s withering away. This fascinating defense mechanism is what makes it so intriguing and earns it the moniker of the “shy plant.”
Understanding the Sensitive Plant’s Unique Behavior
The Mimosa pudica belongs to the pea/legume family Fabaceae, and is a creeping annual or perennial flowering plant. Native to Central and South America, it’s now widespread in tropical and warm regions worldwide. Its striking features include delicate, fern-like leaves and light purple, pom-pom-shaped flowers.
The “dying” action is a rapid response called seismonastic movement or thigmonastic movement, which is triggered by touch, heat, wind, or even shaking. This rapid movement is caused by a change in turgor pressure in cells located at the base of the leaflets and petioles. When the plant is stimulated, these cells lose water quickly, causing the leaves to fold inwards as if closing. This reaction is a defense mechanism, believed to help the plant appear less appealing to herbivores by reducing its exposed surface area. Within a few minutes, the plant recovers, and the leaves re-open, seemingly “coming back to life.”
15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Sensitive Plant and Related Plants
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide a deeper understanding of the Mimosa pudica and other plants that exhibit unique behaviors:
1. Is the Mimosa pudica actually dying when you touch it?
No, the Mimosa pudica does not die when touched. The dramatic folding and drooping of its leaves are temporary reactions to stimulation. It’s a defense mechanism, not a sign of death. The leaves will re-open within minutes.
2. What triggers the folding action of the Mimosa pudica?
The folding action, known as seismonastic movement, is triggered by touch, heat, wind, or even shaking. These stimuli cause a rapid change in water pressure within specialized cells at the base of the leaves, leading to the dramatic folding response.
3. Where is the Mimosa pudica native to?
The Mimosa pudica is native to Central and South America. However, it has become naturalized and is now found in many tropical and warm regions around the world.
4. What other names is the Mimosa pudica known by?
Besides sensitive plant, touch-me-not, and sleepy plant, the Mimosa pudica is also known as action plant, humble plant, shameplant, and tickle me plant.
5. Are there other plants that react when touched?
Yes, while the Mimosa pudica’s reaction is the most dramatic, several other plants exhibit some form of response to touch, though often less noticeable. These reactions are less about closing their leaves entirely but may involve slight movements or adjustments.
6. Is the sensitive fern the same as the sensitive plant?
No, the sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) is a different plant from the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica). While both share the name “sensitive,” the fern is a completely different species. The sensitive fern is known for being sensitive to frost and its leaves will turn dark in the fall. The sensitive fern is not known for reacting to touch in the same way as the Mimosa pudica.
7. Is the Mimosa pudica poisonous?
While the Mimosa pudica is not considered highly poisonous, it does contain some toxins and should not be ingested. In traditional medicine, the plant is used for various treatments, but its use requires careful handling.
8. What are the medicinal uses of the Mimosa pudica?
Traditionally, parts of the Mimosa pudica are used for treating hemorrhoids, urinary infections, sinus issues, sores, piles, and fistula. The plant’s juice and paste are also applied to glandular swellings and hydrocele. However, proper precautions are necessary, and it is always best to consult a healthcare professional before using any plant for medicinal purposes.
9. What does a dying Java fern look like?
A dying Java fern typically exhibits brown or yellow leaves, leaves with pinholes, or may stop growing new leaves. Nutrient deficiencies can be a cause of such symptoms.
10. Is the sensitive fern poisonous to animals?
Yes, the sensitive fern contains toxins and is rarely grazed by cattle. It is considered poisonous to cattle.
11. What plant is known as the “zombie plant”?
The term “zombie plant” is sometimes used as another name for the Mimosa pudica due to its dramatic and seemingly lifeless appearance when touched. However, this term isn’t officially linked to any single plant.
12. What is the poisonous plant that can induce hallucinations?
The Datura stramonium, commonly known as jimson weed, is a poisonous plant that can induce hallucinations. It contains toxic substances that can lead to severe symptoms. This plant has a history of being associated with hallucinogenic effects.
13. Do plants respond to touch?
Yes, plants do respond to touch. The Mimosa pudica is an excellent example, but numerous studies show that plants can respond to touch, which influences their growth and development. Human touch can trigger responses, but multiple instances of touch can sometimes hinder a plant’s growth as it dedicates more resources to these defense mechanisms.
14. What is the “resurrection plant”?
The resurrection plant, also called Rose of Jericho, can survive long periods without water by drying up and going dormant, seemingly dying. However, when water is provided, it revives and turns green.
15. What is the “corpse flower”?
The Rafflesia arnoldii, also known as the corpse flower, is noted for producing the largest individual flower on Earth. It emits a strong odor of decaying flesh to attract pollinators. It is native to the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo.
Conclusion
The Mimosa pudica, with its unique sensitivity to touch, remains a captivating plant that intrigues both scientists and nature enthusiasts. Its dramatic folding action, though not a sign of death, makes it appear as though it is “dying when touched,” which is a testament to the plant’s fascinating and complex survival strategies. From its medicinal uses to its remarkable movement, the Mimosa pudica continues to capture our attention and teach us about the wonders of the plant kingdom. By understanding the unique characteristics of the Mimosa pudica and other similar plants, we can further appreciate the incredible diversity and complexity of the natural world.