Codariocalyx motorius, also known as the "dancing plant," is a species of tropical legume that has garnered attention for its unique ability to move its leaves in response to touch or sound. The spelling of this scientific name follows the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) phonetic transcription system. "Codariocalyx" is pronounced /kɒdəraɪəˈkælɪks/ and "motorius" is pronounced /məʊˈtɔːrɪəs/. This unusual plant has sparked curiosity and has been the subject of many scientific studies in recent years as researchers try to unravel the mechanisms behind its dance-like movements.
Codariocalyx motorius, commonly known as the "dancing plant" or "telegraph plant," is a tropical flowering plant that belongs to the family Fabaceae. This peculiar plant is renowned for its distinctive ability to move its leaves in response to external stimuli, primarily light and touch. It is native to the tropical regions of Asia, particularly India and Myanmar.
The Codariocalyx motorius possesses compound leaves made up of small leaflets that are attached to a central axis. These leaflets are capable of autonomous and rhythmic movement, resembling the action of marching soldiers or prisoners on a chain gang, hence the popular name "dancing plant." This unique ability is facilitated by pulvinus, a small swollen structure at the base of each leaflet, which influences the movement of the leaflets in response to various stimuli.
The plant exhibits nyctinasty, meaning that the leaflets open during daylight hours and fold during the nighttime. In addition, the leaves of the Codariocalyx motorius are famously sensitive to touch. When the plant is touched or subjected to mechanical stimuli, such as wind, it reacts by folding its leaves for a short period before unfolding again.
The mechanisms behind the movement of the Codariocalyx motorius are not yet fully understood, but it is believed to be driven by a combination of electrical and chemical signals within the plant. This intriguing plant has captivated the attention of botanists, researchers, and plant enthusiasts, contributing to its popularity as a unique specimen for observation and study.
The word "Codariocalyx Motorius" is not composed of etymologically derived words; rather, it is a scientific name specifically assigned to a unique plant species commonly known as the "Mimosa Pudica" or "Sensitive Plant". The naming system used in biology, known as binomial nomenclature, follows a standardized format established by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century.
The first part of the name, "Codariocalyx", is a genus name that was given by Jules Émile Planchon, a French botanist, in 1846. The genus name "Codariocalyx" does not have a discernible etymology and is likely a combination of arbitrary Latin or Greek roots.
The second part of the name, "Motorius", appears to be an attempt to describe the unique movement observed in the leaves of the plant.