The Bashful Mimosa

Added on by the ikebana shop.

Thought we'd share this unusual plant we had found during our holiday in Cuba.  It is a tropical weed that closes its leaves when touched!  Its scientific name is Mimosa Pudica...the Latin "pudica" meaning "shy or bashful".  

Other common names are "touch-me-not" and "makahiya" (meaning "to be on the shy side" in the Filipino language).  They are fun to play with but they do have thorns so touch only the leaves!