Mimosa pudica

We locally called it in Philippines as ✨MAKAHIYA✨ from the root word hiya (hee-yâ) that means shy. Which the plant does when touched, to be shy away.

What’s the reason that it closes? I figure, like a Venus fly trap, obviously closes to eat its prey, but what would a plant like that need to close for?

It likely evolved this mechanism at it reduces the impact of several negative situations for the plant. Reducing surface area thereby reducing water lose, appearing smaller to reduce herbivory. It is a response to avoid a host of possible harmful circumstances

When you touch it the pulvinus releases fluid but where does it go?

It’s a very tiny amount that leaves the cells in this tissue. I believe it moves to the nearby cells in the leaflet that are not in the pulvinus

In the Philippines we call it "Makahiya" which means shy in English, cause it kind of becomes shy and small when touched. 😁

You had me at Mimosa.

I suspect your touch can elicit a variety of responses 😉

I need that hat! 🧢