Mimosa pudica

The Mimosa pudica, also known as Sensitive, or even Shy Mimosa, is a lovely frost-tender undershrub with a short life, most often considered as an annual. It is cultivated for its small pink pompom-like summer flowers, and the curious properties of its very finely cut leaves, similar to those of ferns, to close and hang at the slightest touch, return to their position within a few minutes. 

Mimosa pudica is a unique plant grown in pots on terraces or balconies. It is part of the Fabaceae family and is typically no taller than 30 cm (11.8 in) and 15 cm (5.9 in) wide. It is originally from Brazil's tropical regions and has been naturalised worldwide. Mimosa pudica has a woody base and develops creeping or upright, sometimes thorny stems. Its leaves are generally evergreen and have alternate, compound, and bipinnate shapes. Each pinna comprises 15 to 25 leaflets that can retract at the slightest shock or at night, a defensive strategy against herbivorous predators. This movement is one of the most spectacular in the vegetable kingdom. 

The Mimosa pudica blooms in the summer, producing small pink to lilac flowers that are spherical and fluffy and are 1 to 2 cm (0.4 to 0.8 in) in diameter. 

You can easily cultivate the Mimosa pudica in a pot on your terrace or balcony. It's easy to store away in winter and will delight both young and old with its foliage. The seeds are not difficult to germinate, so children can try them out and get lovely 'living' plants.