Book 17, Question 86
Why Do the Leaves of a Sensitive Plant Fold Up When Touched?
The sensitive plant folds up its leaves in seconds when it is touched! It is called the mimosa, and it comes from the tropical Americas. The leaves slowly open again after a few minutes.
More fun facts
- The sensitive plant is also called touch-me-not, or Mimosa pudica.
- Within seconds of being touched, it folds up its feathery leaflets.
- Special cells work like muscles to close the leaflets.
- The cells can close and reopen the leaflets over and over.
- If a leaf is touched again, the leaflets fold again.
Sources: Science News Explores, Science News Explores
Questions kids ask
What is another name for the sensitive plant?
It is also called touch-me-not, or Mimosa pudica.