toddlers intently watching the leaves of the Makahiya fold and unfold
We stumbled onto clusters of Makahiya on the grounds of my best friend’s clubhouse. There was a sign a few meters from us that said “Keep of the Grass” but we couldn’t resist showing our toddlers the magic of the Makahiya. Unlike during the days of our youth when empty lots in the neighborhood were still safe to play in, our children have no luxury of exploring the many weeds, bugs and what-have-yous that we used to find in those empty lots cum playgrounds. So, we let the toddlers stay on the grass and have a poking good time watching the foliage of the Sensitive Plant fold and unfold.
when all the leaves had folded in this tiny patch, these very curious toddlers looked for a bigger patch of Makahiya
Here are some facts about the Makahiya plant:
- Its scientific name is Mimosa Pudica.
- Touching, blowing, warming or shaking it would cause the leaves to close.
- The leaves also close during nightime and reopen during daylight.
- Other common names for it include: sensitive plant, humble plant, shameful plant, sleeping grass, and touch-me-not. (Of course, I still love “Makahiya” best)
- Extracts from its roots can be used to neutralize cobra venom.
- Its extracts can immobilize threadworm within an hour’s duration.
The sensitive Mimosa Pudica
Relive your childhood, explore the neighborhood park and have fun poking at those makahiya with your little ones.
Kids are sure keen observer. They always look at things in a very creative way.
Hi Thursdee it’s me Marco of Daddy Yashiro’s Journal. Just drop by on your blog and fond reading some of your post.