<P> Mimosa pudica ( from Latin : pudica `` shy , bashful or shrinking '' ; also called sensitive plant , sleepy plant , Dormilones , touch - me - not , or shy plant ) is a creeping annual or perennial herb of the pea family Fabaceae often grown for its curiosity value : the compound leaves fold inward and droop when touched or shaken , defending themselves from harm , and re-open a few minutes later . The species is native to South America and Central America , but is now a pantropical weed . It can also be found in Asia in countries such as Bangladesh , Thailand , India , Indonesia , Malaysia , Philippines , Vietnam , Cambodia , Laos , Japan , Sri Lanka and well across the southern part of the United States . It grows mostly in undisturbed shady areas , under trees or shrubs . </P>
<P> Mimosa pudica ( from Latin : pudica `` shy , bashful or shrinking '' ; also called sensitive plant , sleepy plant , Dormilones , touch - me - not , or shy plant ) is a creeping annual or perennial herb of the pea family Fabaceae often grown for its curiosity value : the compound leaves fold inward and droop when touched or shaken , defending themselves from harm , and re-open a few minutes later . The species is native to South America and Central America , but is now a pantropical weed . It can also be found in Asia in countries such as Bangladesh , Thailand , India , Indonesia , Malaysia , Philippines , Vietnam , Cambodia , Laos , Japan , Sri Lanka and well across the southern part of the United States . It grows mostly in undisturbed shady areas , under trees or shrubs . </P>
why do leaflets of mimosa fold when touched
why do leaflets of mimosa fold when touched
defending themselves from harm
defending themselves from harm