2018-10-04 THU 17:43 TAMAN SEMARAK JAYA

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Mimosa diplotricha

Family Fabaceae Mimosa diplotricha 美洲含羞草 Giant Sensitive Plant - Tall plant Brazil

Inflorescence (capitulum) of a Mimosa diplotricha. A composite flower-head composed of many tiny flowers.

A composite bud of Mimosa diplotricha

The composite buds are ellipsoidal in shape with a pineapple-like texture. Each of the tiny green sections is of course, an immature bud-let.

Hairy pink stalks of a blooming  inflorescence (composite flower-head)

FLOWERS of  Mimosa diplotricha 美洲含羞草(Giant Sensitive Plant)
 

Mimosa diplotricha  is a member of the Pea family (Leguminosae or Fabaceae), and is native to Brazil.

Common names are Touch-Me-Not, Tickle-Me-Plant, Sleeping Grass, Shame Plant, and Prayer Plant. All allude to the fact that when touched, the leaflets fold flat and the entire leaf droops, an action referred to as a seismonastic movement.

The same action occurs as the sun sets, and the original positions are regained at sunrise, an action referred to as a nyctinastic movement. Stranger still, even heat can cause the Mimosa to react!

The closing and opening actions of the Mimosa are a form of circadian rhythm.

Seed pods of Mimosa diplotricha 美洲含羞草