Mimosa Pudica:
The Mimosa Pudica (a.k.a. the Sensitive Plant, the Shy plant, then Humble Plant, and many more other names) is a very fascinating plant because it is totally different from the rest of the plants. Native to Brazil, it is found in most tropical climates but can be grown worldwide under the right conditions! Even in an average household! This plant can actually appear as if it is dead just by the touch of the finger. Scientists think, that the Sensitive plant was developed in this way to drive off plant-eating animals because it is highly unlikely that animals would eat a plant that moves when touched. The ability that allows the plant to "droop" is in the cells found in the plant that can sense a change in pressure. For example, when the plant is touched, the plant feels a change in pressure resulting in the vacuoles in the leaf to lose water and appear frail. After a while, the plant will regain it's normal shape as long as the pressure is unchanged or in other words, the plant is left untouched.
Still don't believe me, check out this awesome video!
Fun Fact: If you want to buy these wonderful seeds, they can be purchased at this website! And this website offers classroom kits which are great for teachers!
http://ticklemeplant.com/
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