Mimosa Pudica
/mɪˈmoʊsə ˈpjuːdɪkə/noun
A tropical sensitive plant whose leaves rapidly fold when touched.
Did you know?The genus name Mimosa was coined from Greek roots linked to imitation or mime, while pudica is Latin for “shy” or “modest,” so the scientific name itself describes the plant as a timid performer.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
mimos
“an imitator, mime, or actor”
Latin
Latin
mimus
“a mime or mimic performer”
18th Century
Latin
Mimosa
“a botanical genus name based on the plant’s imitative, responsive movement”
Latin
Latin
pudicus
“bashful, modest, shy”
Modern English
English
Mimosa pudica
“the sensitive plant, a species whose leaves fold in response to touch”