On a recent vacation to Costa Rica, Indianapolis-based nurse Amy Gastelum did what we all would if given the chance: she touched a touch-me-not plant. Now, she wants to know why the plant recoiled at her touch. Evolutionary ecologist Monica Galiano has our answer.
The mimosa pudica, commonly known as a touch-me-not plant, is native to Central and South America. The leaves at the end of its long green stems are known to shrink away when touched, while its pink and yellow flowers do not. The leaves also respond to warmth, blowing, and shaking.
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