Shy Mimosa

Family: mimosa. Native range - Brazil. The plant reaches 60 cm in height with thin branches and pinnate leaves. This is a beautiful, delicate graceful plant, although it is famed not for its appearance but for the interesting property of its leaflets folding when touched during the day (they always fold at night).

What is sold here under the name mimosa for March 8 is actually the silver acacia, which has nothing to do with mimosa.

In summer the mimosa delights with striking spherical pink flower-heads. Stems are spiny. The sensitive leaflets fold when touched and only reopen half an hour to an hour later. In nature this is how mimosa protects itself from livestock that enjoy feeding on it.

This is not a very difficult plant to care for. Mimosa is warmth-loving; in winter the temperature should not fall below 16°C. It likes bright light and tolerates direct sunlight well. Water abundantly in summer, moderately in winter. The plant is sensitive to air humidity and requires regular spraying. It does not tolerate tobacco smoke.

Propagate by semi-woody stem cuttings in spring or summer, or by seeds in early spring. Before sowing seeds can be scalded with hot water to speed up germination. Transplanting is usually not performed.