Telegraph Plant (Codariocalyx motorius)

Telegraph Plant is a tropical Asian shrub grown for its novelty of movement, much like the Sensitive Plant (Mimosa pudica). The new leaflets move when exposed to light or sound vibrations and the movement can be seen by the naked eye. The terminal leaflets spread out during the day and droop down at night. It’s commonly thought that the movement happens so the leaflets can utilize the absorption of light more efficiently, however, the leaves also move when exposed to high pitched sound waves. It grows best in a sandy loam soil and needs to be kept evenly moist, given bright light and temperatures between 68-95˚F. The small pink flowers are followed by seedpods.