The Zimbabwean Gardener Issue 12 Autumn 2015 High res | Page 39

Interesting plants for kids

A shy &

ensit ive
s

plant

Tickle this plant and watch as it shies away.
The Sensitive Plant, also referred to as ‘Touch-me-not’,
(Mimosa pudica) will bring hours of entertainment to kids
of any age. It actually moves when you touch its leaves.
The fine leaflets open in the daylight, yet when touched
will collapse downward. Give them an hour or so and up
they will come again.

e
labl
v i
A a ost
at m ries
se
nur

As plants mature, they form small pink puffs of bloom.
Make sure you keep it in a pot in the sun and be careful
of the sharp prickles! What a perfect way to introduce
children to the world of plants.

Reach out and touch it,
or even just blow on
it, and its leaves will
close, as if startled or
protecting themselves.

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