The leaves of many plants fold up at night in a "sleep movement". At sunrise they slowly unfold again. Scientists have found that at the base of each leaflet is a cushion-like swelling. By day, while the leaves keep producing starch, these cushions are swollen with water and support the leaflet. But when dusk falls they lose their water and leaflets fold up. The closing of the leaves may help the plant to conserve water.
In the sensitive plant of "Touch Me Not" the leaflets fold up whenever they are disturbed even in broad daylight. The quick folding reaction may be a sort of defensive mechanism of plants in the wild. When the leaves are unfolded the plant is conspicuous and may tempt a grazing animal. On the slightest touch, when all the leaves close, little is seen except the bare stems and the plant may escape being eaten.
In the sensitive plant of "Touch Me Not" the leaflets fold up whenever they are disturbed even in broad daylight. The quick folding reaction may be a sort of defensive mechanism of plants in the wild. When the leaves are unfolded the plant is conspicuous and may tempt a grazing animal. On the slightest touch, when all the leaves close, little is seen except the bare stems and the plant may escape being eaten.
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| Touch Me Not (mimosa) Plant |
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