Tickle Me seed packet - Botanical name: Mimosa pudica
This amazing plant will quickly move when you touch or tickle it and makes a great gift for growing scientists of all ages. In the evening the leaflets will fold together and the whole leaf droops downward. It then re-opens at sunrise. The leaves also close up under various other stimuli such as touching, warming, shaking or even extremely loud music! According to Wikipedia, the movement is caused by "a rapid loss of pressure in strategically situated cells that cause the leaves to droop right before one’s eyes".
Considered a troublesome weed when growing in the wild, Mimosa Pudica makes a fascinating addition to any home or garden. A good way to get kids interested in plants!
Your TickleMe Plant™ can begin growing in as little as three days, if growing conditions are right. If the temperature is too cold (below 70°F), some TickleMe Plants™ may take up to 30 days to begin growing. Make sure to read the Growing Tips on the back of the seed package!
The first leaves will appear in about a week, however, the first leaves are NOT TickleMe™ leaves and will not move. About 3 weeks later the TickleMe™ leaves will appear and close when tickled!
