1. Prostrate or semi-erect subshrub of tropical America, and Australia; heavily armed with recurved thorns and having sensitive soft grey-green leaflets that fold and droop at night or when touched or cooled
   "Children were fascinated by the sensitive plant's leaves folding at their touch";
   - touch-me-not, shame plant, live-and-die, humble plant, action plant, Mimosa pudica
    
2. Semi-climbing prickly evergreen shrub of tropical America having compound leaves sensitive to light and touch
   "Children were fascinated watching the sensitive plant's leaves fold when touched";
   - Mimosa sensitiva

Derived forms: sensitive plants

Type of: mimosa

Part of: genus Mimosa

Encyclopedia: Sensitive plant