When we were in Illinois several years ago visiting my daughter and her family, I noticed that they had a potted sensitive plant. It's called Mimosa pudica. Well... I told her the plant was in too small a pot and should be repotted. Ummm... Oops! It didn't survive the transplant. I really felt guilty about that. Thank goodness KC wasn't upset with me.
I used to love playing with those plants as a child. Every time you touched the leaves, they would fold up like magic. And what child doesn't love magic.
When they were in Hawaii this summer, I knew where to find those plants in the neighborhood and took KC to see them. Unfortunately, they are actually weeds so they had been pulled out or poisoned.
The other day, I was passing by the spot and saw them all growing back. One was growing onto the sidewalk so I walked over with Art to pull it out.
It was NOT easy to do. They have really tough roots and little thorns.
They are growing beautifully now, but it's contained in this planter so shouldn't be a problem.
The grandkids are coming next year and I can't wait for them to have fun with it. Meanwhile I couldn't resist playing with it myself.
I didn't know these plants are classified as weeds. I remember them from my own childhood. They are fun to play with! :-)
ReplyDeleteThey will love it.
ReplyDeleteNever heard of them but now I want some. Even grown grandchildren are not too old for magic.
ReplyDeleteThis is a childhood experience I somehow missed growing up. I bet your grandkids will be delighted with the habits of this plant. Good for you to think ahead!
ReplyDeleteamazing plant-never heard of it!
ReplyDeleteSo glad it has a new home. I didn't know they were considered weeds but then a rose in a corn field is a weed.
ReplyDeleteThey are fun to play with.
What fun. :)
ReplyDeleteTotally cool that you recused the plant. Wonder how it would do with some fertilizer to recover from it's poisoning. The Omniplex interactive science center in Oklahoma City had one of these in their greenhouse. More fun than a Venus Flytrap. Let us know when you can figure out why and how their little "muscles" close the leaves. Does it stress out the plant to touch all of the leaves? Must have energy from somewhere. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeletei remember those plants. haven't thought about them in years.
ReplyDeleteInteresting plant.
ReplyDeleteI didn't discover these plants until I was in my 40s, but really was fascinated by them when I did. They are not outdoor plants here in NE Ohio, but every once in a while I find one in a greenhouse.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting plants. Some how I missed these...glad you rescued them.
ReplyDeleteCool activity for your grandkids.
ReplyDeletevery cool!!
ReplyDeleteThe Hawaiian word for it is "hilahila". Not sure what its meaning is, though.
ReplyDeleteFun. I have never seen one before.
ReplyDeleteNew to me, but I think it completes an episode for you.
ReplyDeleteI remember those plants from childhood, absolutely LOVED playing with them. I've seen a few as an adult, but did not play around with them for any length of time. Thanks for the memories, Kay.
ReplyDeleteNice
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