Blooming Makahiya (mimosa pudica) flower. The plant is famous for its tendency to curl up its leaves at the slightest touch, as if it were extremely embarrassed about physical contact. According to the biologists, the makahiya’s well-documented leaf-folding behavior – a defensive response to physical stimuli – demonstrates “clear habituation,” and suggests that the plant may have the capacity to learn. Their research proved their theory was right. A "smart" plant that adopts to its environment.