Avant Gardener: Charming plant is a bit shy and a little sensitive

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • September 3, 2012
  • 366
                        
Summary: A charming gift of a plant gave the Avant Gardner the motivation to do a little research about a plant she knew nothing about. If you mention a Mimosa I am likely to think of a cocktail that is one part Champagne and one part orange juice and is typically reserved for late morning to mid day occasions that real moms and real gardeners do not participate in for reasons that are apparent. Mimosa is also the name of a plant genus that includes more than 400 herbs and shrubs including Mimosa pudica, a plant I knew nothing about until recently. Presented as a gift from my friend Mellissa who also does not have the time or the inclination for late morning or mid day cocktails despite the temptation, the Mimosa pudica is known by other names like Sensitive Plant, Touch-Me-Not, Humble Plant and even Shame Plant. Mellissa knew it by the name Sensitive Plant and recalled having one as a child that she has never forgotten. What makes this plant unusual is its ability to fold its leaves and lower its branches when touched or disturbed. Feathery, fern-like leaves and pink, pompom-like flowers that bloom in summer are attributes of this curious plant that is a tender annual in our region. Grown at Monticello by Thomas Jefferson who is almost as well-known as a gardener as he was for his contribution to the nation as a founding father, author of the Declaration of Independence and as the third president, the plant is a perennial herb in warmer parts of the world. Latin for shy, bashful or shrinking, the name pudica is well-suited for the plant that undergoes leaf orientation called nyctinastic movement that occurs when the plant is exposed to darkness. The seismonastic movements occur when the plant is touched, blown on or shaken. All of this happens on a cellular level and there is no scientific explanation as to why. Various theories and common sense would suggest the plant is protecting itself from getting eaten by pretending to be dead. Regardless of the mysterious reasons Mother Nature has bestowed upon the plant the ability to move its leaves and branches it never ceases to delight and amaze those that see it first-hand. As a tropical plant that is likely a native of South America or the Caribbean, the Mimosa pudica prefers high heat and humidity. In order to grow it indoors where humidity tends to be much lower misting might be beneficial. Like most woody herbs, it prefers full sun and should be placed in a southern facing window if grown as a houseplant. Well-drained growing mediums will benefit the plant. Tolerant to drought, Mimosa pudica will drop leaves if they do not receive enough water but they are known to bounce back when watering resumes according to my research. As a first-time caretaker of this very special plant I am about to discover what it needs to survive and flourish in my home. It is easy to see why the Mimosa pudica is special and what makes it even more meaningful is that it was a gift. Plants are the go to gift for the person that has everything or the person that wants nothing. Plants, especially varieties as charming and as easy to care for as the Sensitive Plant provide countless hours of entertainment, clean the air and appeal to everyone even if they lack a green thumb.


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