Sensitive Plant (Mimosa strigillosa) is possibly one of the neatest plants we have growing at MOSI. Found as a groundcover in the Olustee Longleaf Pine Flatwoods Garden in the Historic Tree Grove this pretty-in-pink wildflower is more exciting than meets the eye.
Beyond the pretty blooms and spreading habit, Sensitive Plant is sensitive to touch! When touched, shaken or rapidly heated or cooled this plant displays a thigmonastic response, meaning that an electrical signal is sent through the plant that triggers the leaves on a branch to pull together and close. One of the few plants capable of rapid movement, the leaves of this species close with a speed that is relative to the magnitude of the stimulus. When gently brushed, the leaves of the plant slowly close together. When quickly jabbed the leaves respond with greater speed and close rapidly. 
Children and adults delight in sitting down on the brick pathways of the Tree Grove to happily poke at the Mimosa and watch it close up in response. I must admit that I sometimes water it for fun just to watch entire sections of the plant quickly close their leaves in response to the drops of water and it never fails to make me smile.
Sensitive plant is low growing and spreading perennial that bears puffy pink to purple flowers. Each globular flower is actually a collection of many small flowers that all bloom together. With its habits of low growth, creeping expansion, and ready blooms Sensitive Plant makes a great turf alternative and can handle mowing. Heat and drought tolerant, once established this little gem can thrive in the toughest of places from a sandy yard edge to the side of an interstate.
Also known the the common names of Sunshine Mimosa and Powderpuff, this species is one of three native Mimosa species in Florida. The other two species both bear thorns: Sensitive Brier (Mimosa quadrivalvis var. angustata) and Florida sensitive brier (Mimosa quadrivalvis var. floridana). There are some 400 recorded species of Mimosa some with and some without thorns.
Mimosa strigillosa is a member of the Pea family (Fabaceae) and is a host for the Little Sulphur butterfly (Pyrisitia lisa).
2 comments:
This answers so many questions! I've often seen the plant, minus the pretty puffy bloom, and wondered what it might be. Now I'll let them be vs. pulling them. Thanks for the info!!!
I thought other readers would enjoy an activity I got at the botanical gardens. Have you or your children "Ever Seen a Plant Move When You Tickle It?" If you wanted to share your love for nature with your children, here is an activity I have done with mine. This may change the way you and the kids react to plants for ever. Imagine giving your children some seeds. Having them watch them sprout and grow. Then shortly after the second leaves appear they tickle the plant and it moves its branches down and closes its leaves! Give them more than a gift; give them a learning experience they will never forget. I found information and a TickleMe Plant Greenhouse at http://www.ticklemeplant.com
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