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This interesting herb, which has its origins in Central & South America, can now be found in South Asia, South East Asia, Africa, Australia and the pacific Islands.

When touched or shaken the leaves of this species will fold inward and droop in order to be protected from leaf eating predators. Research conducted in to the leaf movement revealed that it is a result of a rapid loss of pressure in strategically situated cells that cause the leaves to fold and droop. However the mechanism of how these specialised cells in the leaves lose their internal pressure which results n the leaf movement is yet to be discovered.

This herb has been used in Ayurveda medicine to treat urogenital disorders, piles, dysentery, sinus and an external application on wounds.

The conservation status of this species is regarded as Least Concerned.
(National List 2012)

This species is very common throughout the low country wet, dry and intermediate zones.

It is a wide spread weed found through out the Wilpattu National park.