Page 54 - Msingi Afrika Magazine Issue 29

Food Health
Me: Actually, I’m captivated by something
else as well. Does a Mimosa pudica plant’s
leaves reopen if uprooted?
Mimosa plant: No! When a Mimosa pudica
plant is uprooted, it loses access to essential
nutrients and water. In addition, without
a functional root system, the plant cannot
regulate pulvini turgor pressure or execute
leaf movements. Therefore, the closed or
drooping leaves do not reopen.
Me: You have such a unique name! I’m
curious to know more about the history and
significance of it. Could you explain this
further?
Mimosa plant: The genus name “Mimosa”
comes from the Greek word “mimos,” which
means “mime” or “actor.” This name was
chosen because of my unique leaf-folding
behavior. When my leaves are touched or
stimulated, they rapidly close or fold inward,
giving the impression that I am mimicking or
imitating the actions of a living organism.
Me: Ah, that’s interesting! So, the name
“Mimosa” reflects your ability to mimic
specific movements. Now, let’s move on to
the species epithet “pudica.” What’s the story
behind that?
Mimosa plant: “Pudica” comes from
the Latin word “pudicus,” which can be
translated as “shy,” “bashful,” or “modest.”
This term refers to my sensitivity and how I
respond to outside stimuli. For example, my
leaves rapidly fold inward and droop when
touched or disturbed, giving the illusion of
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withdrawal or timidity. Because of this, some
people call me “shy plant.”
Me: Interesting! One last thing, please! As
a child, I heard legends about you being a
mystical plant with spirits living in your
leaves. However, your scientific explanation
has contradicted the idea of something
supernatural or metaphysical.
Mimosa Plant: It is not totally correct to
believe that mystical, philosophical, and
scientific explanations are contradictory.
They can, in fact, coexist peacefully.
You see, the divide between nature and
the metaphysical is frequently caused by
people’s restricted perspectives. Humans
tend to compartmentalize and categorize
their experiences, resulting in a false physical
and spiritual separation. On the other hand,
plants and nature experience the world
holistically, smoothly and positively, merging
the visible and the invisible. Your narrow
perspectives often hinder you from seeing the
interconnectivity of everything.
Me: Wow! You, indeed, are a marvel
of nature. Thank you for sharing such
fascinating knowledge. Next week I will be
with you again to continue our conversation,
focusing on your healing powers.
About the Mimosa Pudica
Mimosa pudica has been a part of traditional
medicine around the world for hundreds
of years. The local names of mimosa
are: “Lakoko” in Yoruba, “Dagin Ruwa”
or “Cikakkiyar Ruwa” in Hausa, “Eban
mbakara” or “Onyi nkpu” in Igbo, “Kpoo”