“ Most are herbs or undershrubs, but some South American species are tall woody climbers. They are often prickly. The roots of some Brazilian species are poisonous, and that of M. pudica, has irritating properties. The mimosas, however, owe their interest and their extensive cultivation, partly to Branch and leaves of the sensitive plant (Mimosa pudica) , showing the petiole in its erect state, a, and in its depressed state, b ”