http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=27606

I want one

Oh :( I was kinda hoping it was a real-life kind of plant that danced to music like those toys from the 80s.

It’s a Lombok afternoon, by the looks of it! I was forever trying to get rid of that stuff from the lawn at my house in Praya.

So it’s a bit of a weedy thing then?

Divine Angel said:

So it’s a bit of a weedy thing then?

It can be if you’re trying for a nice lawn. Bit prickly along the stems.

What’s the evolutionary advantage for hiding then?

Indonesians call it “putri malu” – “shy girl”

Divine Angel said:

What’s the evolutionary advantage for hiding then?

Looks less appetising to grazing animals. It can also fold up in extreme heat conditions.

From wiki

The species is native to South America and Central America, but is now a pantropical weed.

More wiki

Mimosa pudica is native to South America and Central America. It has been introduced to many other regions and is regarded as an invasive species in Tanzania, South Asia and South East Asia and many Pacific Islands. It is regarded as invasive in parts of Australia and is a declared weed in the Northern Territory, and Western Australia although not naturalized there. Control is recommended in Queensland.

Divine Angel said:

What’s the evolutionary advantage for hiding then?

Nice soft leaves disappear, prickles are all that’s visible.

Geoff D said:

Divine Angel said:

What’s the evolutionary advantage for hiding then?

Looks less appetising to grazing animals. It can also fold up in extreme heat conditions.

Whatever the reason, it appears to be very successful, according to the wiki articles you;‘ve posted.

So, Droppy, if you want one you’ll have to keep it in a hothouse and not let it escape.

Geoff D said:

So, Droppy, if you want one you’ll have to keep it in a hothouse and not let it escape.

yeh.. im not sure a tropical weed would do so well in adelaide.

Dropbear said:

Geoff D said:

So, Droppy, if you want one you’ll have to keep it in a hothouse and not let it escape.

yeh.. im not sure a tropical weed would do so well in adelaide.

They grow plenty of dope in Adelaide don’t they?

Skeptic Pete said:

Dropbear said:

Geoff D said:

So, Droppy, if you want one you’ll have to keep it in a hothouse and not let it escape.

yeh.. im not sure a tropical weed would do so well in adelaide.

They grow plenty of dope in Adelaide don’t they?

no mate we’re drug free since 2005.