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TouchmeNot plant with flower

While you are walking over the roadside, parks, lawns, and waste areas you might have observed a plant that closes its leaflets when you touch it. Do you ever wonder why it does like that?

This plant is called a Touch me not plant/ sensitive plant/ Shame plant/ Action plant/ Sleepy plant.

Touch me not in Kannada - ಮುಟ್ಟಿದರೆ ಮುನಿ 

The leaflets are closed when stimulated by touching, blowing, shaking, warming. After some time the leaves will be restored to their original state.

This action may be because of a defense mechanism to protect itself from predators like a plant-eating insect or something else. Alternatively to shade the plant in order to reduce water loss due to evaporation.  

Drumstick Tree and Vegetable in Kannada-English

 Drumstick tree: 

In Kannada, the Drumstick tree is called as ನುಗ್ಗೆಕಾಯಿ ಮರ (Nugge kayi mara).

Drumstick in kannada - ನುಗ್ಗೆಕಾಯಿ

This tree is native to the Indian subcontinet. Young seeds and leaves of this are used as vegetables and for traditional herbal medicinal purposes.

Drumstick tree 

Flower of Drumstick tree

Drumstick vegetable image

Drumstick is a common and widely used vegetable in South India.

Benefits of Drumstick and its leaves:

• Drumstick is rich in iron, Calcium, Magnesium, and vitamins A, C,K and B.
• Its rich in fiber helps in digestion.
• Prevents Asthma, good for Kidney health, immune system.
• Reduces Cholesterol level.