Why does Mimosa pudica shrink?

1. Principle

At the base of the petiole of the mimosa, there is a unique organ called the "pulvinus", in which grow many thin-walled cells. These thin-walled cells are extremely sensitive and will react to the slightest vibration or stimulation from the outside world.

2. Physiological reactions

When the leaves are touched and vibrated, the cell fluid in the parenchyma cells will gradually flow into the gaps between the cells, which greatly reduces the expansion of the cells and reduces the pressure on the parenchyma cells at the end of the pulsatilla, resulting in the leaves being tightly closed and the petioles drooping.

As the mimosa continues to grow, the leaves will also grow and close, especially in the silent night, when the leaflets of the mimosa close and the petioles gradually droop.

It will also close due to vibration from external forces during the day. When the mimosa is exposed to relatively weak light, the water in the pulsatilla that supports the leaves will flow to the sides due to external forces, causing the leaves to close. This phenomenon will last for less than two minutes, the cell sap will flow back to the pulsation, and the leaf will gradually return to its original state.

In addition, the leaves of mimosa will shrink rapidly and then suddenly wither before being subjected to severe vibrations. By using this characteristic, we can use mimosa to predict earthquakes. The editor has finished explaining the contraction of mimosa. I wonder if flower lovers have any understanding of it?