Touch me not

Touch-me-not, known as "mimosa pudica" or "sensitiva" in Costa Rica, is a fascinating plant that elicits wonder with its unique defensive mechanism. When touched, the leaves of the touch-me-not plant rapidly fold inward, a remarkable adaptation to deter herbivores and protect itself from harm. This intriguing behavior has earned it various nicknames, including "shame plant" or "shy plant." While not native to Costa Rica, touch-me-not has naturalized in the country's diverse ecosystems and can be found growing along roadsides, in forests, and even in home gardens. Beyond its defensive response, touch-me-not holds medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including skin conditions and digestive issues. Its ability to capture the imagination and its role in natural medicine make touch-me-not a noteworthy and cherished plant in Costa Rica's botanical landscape.

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