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RE: Mimosa pudica

Hi Barry,
Mimosa pudica, or sensitive plant is a tropical/subtropical species
so it would need to be treated accordingly to keep it happy.

Unfortunately the species is a serious environmental weed
and has invaded tens of thousands of acres or northern Australian
rangelands and 
threatens Kakadu National Park, the wetlands you see in the Travel adds
for OZ.
It loves the seasonally inundated river flats and displaces all other
species
building virtually impenetrable thickets.

It is commonly used as a science experiment plant due to the leaves
folding up 
when touched, an interesting phenomenon. Even CSIRO in Australia where
supplying
kits with the seed in it for High School Science Labs. Communication was
not at a premium
when that kit was developed...

Its not likely to become problematic in cooler climates, but at least be
aware of its potential.

Cheers, Rod

~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~-~
Rod Randall
Weed Risk Assessment
Weed Science Group, Agriculture Western Australia

                 "I weed..." 

Weed Risk Assessment Home Page:
http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/progserv/plants/weeds/Weedsci.htm

WeedBusters Home page:
http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/progserv/plants/weeds/buster/buster.htm

 ph: 08 9368 3443
fax: 08 9474 3814
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> ----------
> From: 	Barry_Garcia@monterey.edu
> Reply To: 	Barry_Garcia@monterey.edu
> Sent: 	Monday, 10 August 1998 11:15 AM
> To: 	medit-plants@ucdavis.edu
> Subject: 	Mimosa pudica
> 
> I just bought a Mimosa pudica from Orchard Supply Hardware today. I
> must tell you they were going for cheap. I got one in a four inch pot
> for $2.00. My question is, how should i take care of it to keep it
> alive? Im told this isn't one of the easiest plants to keep alive
> (sensitive to root disturbance and over watering). I wouldnt be too
> upset if it died, since it didn't cost me an arm and a leg to buy it.
> Although it would be a shame since its one of the most interesting
> plants ive ever seen (i first saw one at the Exploratorium in San
> Francisco).
> 
> 
> thanks,
> 
> Barry
> (Monterey CA, zone 9, sunset zone 17)
> 
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
> --
> --------------------------
>     "ang sinomang hindi marunong lumingon sa kanyang pinanggalingan ay
> hindi                                      makararating sa kanyang
> paroroonan"
>                                             -Tagalog Proverb-
> ----------------------------------------------------------------------
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>
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