Mimosa derives its name from the Latin word ‘mimus’ which means ‘mime’. The name refers to the plants unique mimicry to animal reactions. The plant is very sensitive and its leaves recoil at the slightest touch, which gives the plant its other popular name, ‘touch-me-not’. This reaction is known as a seismonastic movement or in other words a reaction to physical shock.

This creeping herb can either be a perennial or an annual. The plant bears flowers with globular heads which blossom between mid and late summer. The flower petals are found to be of red colour while the filaments are of pink to lavender shade. The compound leaves have two sets of pinnate leaflets. The fruits are in the form of pods which appear as a bunch.

Though originally found in Brazil, mimosa is now familiar throughout the tropics as the plant grows well in fertile, moist soil and requires bright sunlight. But sometimes it grows well in partial shade as well.

Mimosa is believed to have some medicinal properties. Almost all parts of the plant can be used for making medicines. It is known to stop bleeding and speeds up recovery. Mimosa is also helpful in curing diseases like diarrhoea, Amoebic dysentery, weakness, skin diseases, piles, gynaecological disorders, bronchitis and impotence.