Mimosa pudica SENSITIVE PLANT (10 seeds)

Sensitive Plant, also known as Shameplant, Touch-me-not, or Mimosa pudica in Latin, is a thorny perennial herbaceous plant. It is tactile, moving when brushed against. It belongs to the Fabaceae family. Native to South America, it reaches a height of 10 to 40 cm and is characterized by rapid growth.

The leaves are compound, consisting of several small leaflets arranged on either side of a central axis. The leaflets are oval, thin, and bright green, measuring approximately 1 to 2 centimeters long. When handled or through simple contact (wind, rain, touch), the leaves quickly fold inward, a phenomenon known as thigmonasty. Once calm returns after a few minutes, the leaves return to their original position.

Its flowers are globular and composed of numerous stamens, giving them a fluffy appearance. They are generally pink or purple and bloom during the summer season. The flowers are grouped in ball-shaped inflorescences located at the ends of the stems.

The fruits are flat, elongated brown pods, measuring about 4 to 6 centimeters long. Once ripe, the pods open to release the seeds.

Mimosa pudica seeds are small, round, shiny, and brown. They can be harvested by hand in September, immediately after fruiting.

- Uses:

It is primarily known for its unusual ability to react quickly by folding its leaves.

In traditional medicine, it is used to treat various conditions such as infections, digestive disorders, and anxiety, thanks to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Do not consume without medical advice from a healthcare professional.

In horticulture, it is cultivated for its surprising characteristics, attracting the interest of gardening enthusiasts.

- Germination and Sowing:

• The ideal period to sow the sensitive plant is in May or June, once the warm weather has settled in.
• Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 12 hours to break dormancy and accelerate germination.
• Sow in a tray of fine horticultural potting soil, then cover them with 1 to 2 millimeters of very fine soil.
• Water the crop gently using a sprayer.
• Finally, place the tray in a greenhouse at a temperature between 30 and 35°C.
• Germination will generally begin 3 to 4 weeks after sowing.

- Soil Type:

This tactile plant prefers soil with a slightly acidic pH. A mixture of 10% potting soil and 90% peat is recommended; a small amount of sand can also be added. Remember to ensure good drainage at the bottom of the pot.

- Humidity:

It must grow in a humid environment but never waterlogged, to prevent root rot. Irrigation should be performed once a week in winter and three times a week in the height of summer.

- Light:

Sensitive plant acclimates to all types of light; it enjoys both indirect sunlight and direct rays. However, it is essential to acclimate the plant gradually when moving it from one exposure to another.

- Temperatures:

It grows very quickly when the temperature varies between 22 and 30°C. Below this range, growth is significantly slower. Above this range, it can grow very fast, but requires a lot of water to compensate. It has low hardiness and must be brought indoors during the winter period.