Mimosa pudica, commonly known as the sensitive plant, is a creeping annual or perennial herb of the pea family Fabaceae. It is native to South America and Central America, but is now widely cultivated elsewhere for its curiosity value, both as an indoor plant in temperate areas, and outdoors in the tropics. The plant's leaves fold inward and droop when touched or shaken, defending themselves from harm, and re-open a few minutes later.