The word Mimosa is derived from the feminine version of the Greek mimos (meaning "actor" or "mime") referring to its 'sensitive leaves' which seem to 'mimic conscious life'. Members of this genus are among the few plants capable of rapid movement. Mimosa pudica folds its leaves when touched or exposed to heat, leading to its alternative name, "Touch me not." It is native to southern Central and South America but is widely cultivated elsewhere for its curiosity value, both as a houseplant in temperate areas, and outdoors in the tropics. Another notable species is Mimosa tenuiflora, which is best known for its use in shamanic ayahuasca brews due to the psychedelic drug dimethyltryptamine found in its root bark!