touch-me-not

• Nom désignant plusieurs plantes qui réagissent au contact, notamment une plante annuelle nord-américaine à fleurs jaunes ou orange, une liane méditerranéenne qui projette ses graines avec force lorsqu'on la touche, ou un sous-arbrisseau tropical aux folioles sensibles qui se replient au moindre contact.

A noun referring to any of several plants that react to touch, including a North American annual with yellow or orange flowers, a Mediterranean vine that forcefully expels its seeds when touched, or a tropical subshrub with sensitive leaflets that fold when disturbed.

1. Jewelweed plantC1formalamericanscientific

   A North American annual plant with usually yellow or orange flowers; grows chiefly on wet rather acid soil.

   Impatiente du Cap

   • The touch-me-not grows abundantly along the stream banks.
   • Its orange flowers are a favorite of hummingbirds.
   • The seed pods of the touch-me-not explode when touched.

   Synonymesjewelweed

2. Squirting cucumberC1formalbritishscientific

   A Mediterranean vine having oblong fruit that when ripe expels its seeds and juice violently when touched.

   Concombre d'âne

   • The touch-me-not vine is known for its explosive seed dispersal.
   • Its fruit can squirt seeds several feet away.
   • Gardeners often grow touch-me-not as a curiosity.

   Synonymesnoli-me-tangeresquirting cucumber

3. Sensitive plantC1formalscientific

   A prostrate or semi-erect subshrub of tropical America and Australia; heavily armed with recurved thorns and having sensitive soft grey-green leaflets that fold and droop at night or when touched or cooled.

   Sensitive plant

   • The touch-me-not's leaves fold instantly when brushed.
   • It is often grown as a houseplant for its fascinating movement.
   • The plant's thorns make it difficult to handle without gloves.

   Synonymesaction plantsensitive plant