The introduction and profile of the sensitive plant
Abstract: This article provides an introduction and brief overview of the basic characteristics of the sensitive plant, along with some small experiences in plant cultivation. Keep reading to learn more!
The sensitive plant: A perennial herb or sub-shrub of the legume family, known for its leaves that react to heat and light, closing immediately when touched. It is named for its bashful nature. It has a fluffy ball-like shape. After flowering, it produces flat pods with round fruits. The leaves are feathery compound leaves that alternate and are palmately arranged. It usually flowers after midsummer, with oblong terminal heads, 2-3 in the leaf axils. The flowers are white or pink, with bell-shaped sepals, 8 tiny sepal teeth, four-petaled flowers, four stamens, and a hairless ovary. The pods are flat, with one seed per segment, and the segments fall off when mature. Flowering period is September. The flowers, leaves, and pods of the sensitive plant are all quite ornamental, and it is easy to survive, making it suitable for pot plants on balconies and indoors (ingestion or excessive contact with the sensitive plant can also cause hair loss). It can also be planted in courtyards. Unlike most plants, when touched, the petioles droop and the small leaves close, making it appear shy, hence names like the sensitive plant, touch-me-not, bashful plant, modest plant, and shy grass (in Cantonese). Native to the tropical regions of South America, it prefers warm and humid conditions and has general soil requirements.
Whole plant (sensitive plant): Sweet and astringent, cool. Calms the nerves, clears heat and detoxifies. Used for vomiting, diarrhea, insomnia, infantile malnutrition, redness and swelling of the eyes, deep-seated abscesses, and herpes zoster. Root (sensitive plant root): Astringent and slightly bitter. Poisonous. Relieves cough and expectorates, promotes dampness and unblocks meridians, harmonizes the stomach, and reduces accumulations. Used for cough with asthma, rheumatic joint pain, and infantile indigestion.
The o-β-D-glucoside in the sensitive plant is slightly toxic, and long-term contact or ingestion can lead to the degeneration of hair follicles in skin cells, causing hair and eyebrows to turn yellow and even fall out. The sensitive plant is somewhat toxic and should never be taken alone, but must be used in combination with other medications. Additionally, due to the presence of the sensitive plant alkaloid, it can cause cataracts and growth inhibition. Consumption of the sensitive plant by humans can also cause hair loss, so it is not suitable for indoor planting.
The sensitive plant has a scattered growth habit, delicate and graceful compound leaves that close when touched; its flowers are numerous and elegant, giving a frail and delicate impression. It can be planted in the corner of a courtyard or in pots by a window. When gifting, cover the potted plant with a light pink gauze and tie a pink bow. Adding a pink marabou ball will make it more interesting. It is now commonly cultivated as an indoor ornamental plant.
The sensitive plant is a magical plant that can predict weather changes. If touched, its leaves quickly close, but open slowly, indicating that the weather will clear up; if touched and the leaves close slowly, droop迟缓, or close slightly and then reopen, it indicates that the weather will change from sunny to cloudy or rain is coming soon.
The reason the sensitive plant's leaves close quickly or slowly can predict weather changes is mainly due to a small, drum-like thin-walled cell tissue at the base of the leaf called the pulvinus, which is filled with water. When the leaves are touched, the water in the cells at the bottom of the pulvinus immediately flows upward and to the sides, causing the bottom to collapse and the top to bulge, making the petiole droop and the leaves close. Therefore, the closing and opening of the leaves is caused by the pressure in the pulvinus. The pressure in the pulvinus is closely related to the humidity in the air. When the air humidity is very low, the pressure is significant, and the leaves close and open quickly; when the humidity is high, the leaves open and close slowly. Thus, the speed of the leaves' opening and closing indirectly reflects the humidity in the air, which can be used as a reference for weather forecasting.
Flower language: Shyness. Gently touching the leaves of this plant will immediately cause them to close and droop, even with a breeze, just like a shy girl. Therefore, its flower language is - shyness. People born under the influence of this flower are very shy and timid, and afraid of strangers. They are highly sensitive and have a strong sense of self-worth. However, when with people who understand them, they are more relaxed and prefer quality over quantity in friendships, valuing long-term relationships.
Above () introduces the introduction and profile of the sensitive plant and a detailed introduction of the basic characteristics of the sensitive plant, hoping everyone will like it!