Have you seen this plant which closes its leaflets when you touch it !!! | Learn about Touch me not Plant - Muttidare muni | Shame plant

Touch me not in Kannada - ಮುಟ್ಟಿದರೆ ಮುನಿ 

 

TouchmeNot plant with flower

While you are walking over the roadside, parks, lawns, and waste areas you might have observed a plant that closes its leaflets when you touch it. Do you ever wonder why it does like that?

This plant is called a Touch me not plant/ sensitive plant/ Shame plant/ Action plant/ Sleepy plant.

Touch me not in Kannada - ಮುಟ್ಟಿದರೆ ಮುನಿ 

The leaflets are closed when stimulated by touching, blowing, shaking, warming. After some time the leaves will be restored to their original state.

According to the research, this action may be because of a defense mechanism to protect itself from predators like a plant-eating insect or something else. Alternatively to shade the plant in order to reduce water loss due to evaporation.