MIMOSA GRANDIFLORA; 



OR, 



LARGE-FLOWERING SENSITIVE PLANT 



This beautiful shrub is native of both the East and West Indies. It was introduced mto our 

 gardens in 1769, by Mr. Norman. It is found frequent iu the mountains of Jamaica: hence one 

 of the aborigines gazing at, and admiring its flowers. It sleeps at regular periods by closmg its 

 two corresponding leaflets together; and the flowers are so rapid in their growth, as to give to 

 them also the appearance of spontaneous motion. Nature having well dissembled in this tnbe 

 of vegetables the high attributes of sensation, and of action. Growing to the size of a mode- 

 rate tree, it is not armed with spines as many of its congeners, nor does it possess, like the 

 Mimosa Pudica (the common Sensitive-Plant), the power of retracting its branches, so as 

 to set the whole plant into general motion upon the rude approach of an invader. Distilling 

 honey, it is the indulgent parent of the humming bird, and Nature has been so anxious for the 

 preservation of this tribe, that besides multiplying the number of males (stamina) to one pistillum, 

 or female, there are also several of its flowers which possess only a clustre of males. Hence it 

 arranges in the Class XXIII. Po.voamia. Order 1. MoN<.ciAof Linn.us. It is thus per- 

 sonified by the late Dr. Darwin. 



Eill'd with nice sense the chaste Mimosa stands, 



From each rude touch withdraws her timid hands: 



Oft, as hght clouds o'erpass the summer glade, 



Alarm'd she trembles at the moving shade;* 



And feels, alive through all her tender form, 



The whisper'd murmurs of the gathering storm ; 



Shuts her sweet eyelids to approaching night, 



And hails with freshen'd charms the rising light. 



Many a suitor woos the blushing maid. 



Each swears by him she ne'er can be betray'd. 



At last, she melts, and sighs, in verdant bow'rs. 



And yields to Cupid's all triumphant pow'rs.— 



So hapless Desdemona, fair and young. 



Won by Othello s captivating tongue, 



Hung o'er each strange and piteous tale, distrest, 



Then sunk enamour'd on his sooty breast. 



Darwin. 



* Desdemona is represented by Shakspeare, as one so chaste, " as to tremble even at the sight of her own shadow. 



