Introduction to the characteristics and secrets of Mimosa

1. Characteristics of Mimosa

Morphology: Mimosa is a perennial herb or subshrub of the Leguminosae family, about one meter tall, with a cylindrical stem and many branches. Its stipules are lanceolate and are approximately five to ten millimeters long. Its leaflets are generally distributed symmetrically, with about ten to twenty pairs, with acute tips, and the overall shape is like a feather.

Flowers: The flowers of mimosa are in head-shaped inflorescences with a fluffy appearance, white or pink color, and are relatively small in size. Its calyx is bell-shaped, and it looks very delicate and cute overall, with good ornamental value. The flowering period is generally in September.

Pods: The pods of mimosa are generally oblong, between one and two centimeters long, about five millimeters wide, relatively flat and slightly curved. There are seeds inside, which are oval and about 3.5 mm long.

Reaction: Mimosa gets its name because its leaves automatically close when stimulated by external stimuli, and then slowly open again. However, if it is stimulated too much, it may feel "bored" and unwilling to respond to any external stimuli. The specific reason is that the cell fluid in the thin-walled cells in its pulvinus is lost too quickly and cannot be replenished in time.

2. Secret Introduction

The reason why mimosa responds to external stimuli is due to a special organ of its. This organ is called the pulvinus. The petiole contains many thin-walled cells. Whenever there is external stimulation, the cell fluid in the thin-walled cells in the upper part of the pulvinus will be discharged into the intercellular space, so that the turgor pressure in the upper part of the pulvinus is greatly reduced, but the turgor pressure in the lower part remains the same, which causes the two leaflets to close, and sometimes even the entire leaf droops. When the cell sap flows back, the leaves will open again and return to their original state.