sensitive plant

noun

1. Also called humble plant. a tropical American plant, Mimosa pudica, cultivated in greenhouses, having bipinnate leaves whose leaflets fold together when touched.
2. any of various other plants that are sensitive to touch.

sensitive plant

noun

1. a tropical American mimosa plant, Mimosa pudica, the leaflets and stems of which fold if touched
2. any similar plant, such as the leguminous plant Cassia nictitans of E North America
3. informal.
   a person who is easily upset

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensitive plant¹

First recorded in 1650–60

Example Sentences

The fire also swept through parts of the island that have rare habitats for sensitive plant and animal species found nowhere else, such as the endangered San Clemente loggerhead shrike, a carnivorous songbird.

From Los Angeles Times

Cohen recommended that people bring their sensitive plants and animals indoors during the dip in temperatures and to wear multiple layers of clothing in order to stay warm.

From Los Angeles Times

Cars were parked on the meadows; people had placed tents, sleeping bags, and portable fire pits on top of sensitive plants.

From Seattle Times

He also said the report “fails to accurately describe the environmental setting, including the existence of sensitive plants and wildlife in the project area.”

From Los Angeles Times

The group has access to a greenhouse donated by the University of Washington, also used by other groups, for planting chilies, tomatoes and other sensitive plants.

From Seattle Times