Viral TikTok shows 'magical' touch-me-not shrub as potted plant, Asians not as impressed

Low-maintenance plant.

Fasiha Nazren | July 23, 2021, 01:09 PM

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If you've walked on any field or pavements in Singapore, you've probably been mildly intrigued by the mimosa pudica, commonly known as the "touch-me-not" plant.

Photo from NParks.

But you're most likely not impressed enough to keep them as plants at home.

Magical plant

That's not the case for one Martha McKay on TikTok, though.

Describing it as her "magical new plant", McKay named the plant Heidi "because she hides".

Video from @marthamckayy on TikTok.

She also shared that the plant is from South and Central America.

The video has garnered more than 1.6 million likes and over 100,000 comments, many of whom were mesmerised by the plant as well.

But others, particularly from Southeast Asia, weren't as fascinated.

Turns out, one can also easily find the mimosa pudica in other parts of the world including Australia, Sri Lanka and Puerto Rico.

Low maintenance plant

Mostly considered as weeds in many parts of the world, these "touch-me-not" shrubs are native to tropical America and grow well in the tropical climate.

According to NParks, the touch-induced leaf movements may be an adaptation to deter herbivores.

The bee-attracting plant requires low maintenance and little water, making it a rather easy plant to care for.

Top image from @marthamckayy on TikTok and NParks.