Native Plants

Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?

A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.

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Saturday - March 10, 2012

From: austin, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives, Herbs/Forbs
Title: Looking for Mimosa pudica plants in Austin, TX.
Answered by: Jimmy Mills

QUESTION:

Where can I buy a Mimosa pudica plant in or near Austin? I don't want seeds, but a few small actual plants. Thanks!

ANSWER:

Mimosa pudica, also known as Sensitive Plant, is an interesting and entertaining plant. It is commonly used in Biology classes to illustrate plant growth movements termed thigmonasty (or seismonasty).

However, it is a native of Brazil and therefore falls outside the focus of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center whose mission is to increase the sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. This link to gardenguides.com indicates that it is considered to be an invasive weed in the Gulf Coast States.