Mimosa pudica’s leaves bend due to a change in turgor pressure of its cells. Mimosa pudica not only responds to seismonastic movements; it also closes upon being heated. When the plant is exposed to such stimuli, it undergoes a series of biochemical and bioelectrical changes that allow it to bend inwards.

Do all mimosa plants close when touched?

The mimosa pudica is a sensitive old soul, and it likely evolved its touch-me-not traits to put off herbivores. The leaves of the ‘touch-me-not’ fold up and droop each evening before reopening at dawn. They also do this more rapidly if they are touched or shaken.

Why do mimosa leaves close when touched?

Leaves of Mimosa pudica are sensitive. When touched the stimulus reaches the base of the leaf and the water in the vacuoles of the cells of the leaf loses water to the adjacent cell. All the water escapes the leaf which then becomes flaccid. This causes the leaves to close.