Sensitive partridge pea (Chamaecrista mimosoides) | seeds, 20 pcs.

• Latin name: Chamaecrista mimosoides
• Danish names: Følsom chamaecrista, sommerfugleplante
• English names: Sensitive partridge pea, Sleeping plant

Chamaecrista mimosoides is an elegant and unusual plant in the legume family (Fabaceae), which grows naturally in large parts of Asia, Africa, and Australia. The species is especially known for its fine, fern-like leaves, small bright yellow flowers, and its sensitive foliage, which folds up at night and partially when touched.

The dense, low growth and the many small leaves give the plant a light and airy appearance, making it well-suited for pots, rock gardens, and as a decorative collector's plant. The yellow flowers also attract bees and other pollinating insects, which contributes to the plant's vibrant expression throughout the summer.

Like many other members of the legume family, Chamaecrista mimosoides lives in symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing bacteria, which makes it undemanding and capable of thriving in relatively nutrient-poor growing sites.

Cultivation and requirements

Chamaecrista mimosoides thrives best in full sun to light shade and prefers:

• Well-drained soil
• Even moisture during the growing season
• Warm temperatures
• A bright growing location

A light and well-drained soil mixture is ideal. The plant grows best at temperatures above 20 °C and can advantageously be grown in a greenhouse, conservatory, or as a summer plant on a sheltered terrace.

The species does not tolerate frost and should be overwintered frost-free if grown as a perennial.

Growing from seed

The seeds have a hard seed coat and germinate best after light pre-treatment.

• Scald or carefully scarify the seed coat before sowing
• Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 12–24 hours
• Sow in a well-drained soil mixture
• Keep the temperature at 22–28 °C
• Keep the soil lightly moist during germination

The seeds usually germinate within 1–4 weeks under good conditions. The young plants grow relatively quickly and develop their characteristic pinnate leaves early on.

Utility and collector value

Chamaecrista mimosoides is primarily grown as an ornamental and collector's plant. The combination of the elegant foliage, yellow flowers, and sensitive leaves makes it an exciting and distinctive plant that stands out from most other ornamental plants.

In Japan, young leaves and shoots have traditionally been dried and used as a mild herbal tea, known as hama-cha or "Japanese Tea." The plant also has a long history in traditional folk medicine in several Asian countries, which makes it interesting not only as an ornamental plant, but also as a cultural plant.

The species has also become popular among bonsai enthusiasts, especially in Japan and Taiwan, where the small leaves, fine branching, and naturally compact growth make it suitable for miniature trees. The small yellow flowers are an added bonus and give the bonsai an unusual and lively expression during the flowering period.

Chamaecrista mimosoides is an obvious choice for the plant enthusiast who wants to grow an unusual plant from seed – an elegant species with sensitive leaves, fine yellow flowers, and high collector value.