# Animated Vegetation The Tropical Tickle-Me Plant's Leaves Move When Touched By Howard Wu | Published 2009-02-23 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tickle-me-plants-animated-vegetation References: [ticklemeplant](http://www.ticklemeplant.com/) The Tickle Me Plant might never rival Elmo, but it did have an appearance at the [New York Toy Fair](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/blossom-pets)! While it is sometimes referred to by different names such as the “shame plant” or “humble plant,” the scientific name of this tropical plant is the *Mimosa Pudica*. As shown in the video, the plant leaves really do physically move when touched. On a marketing note, these plants have been popular as [educational props](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-pulses) as well as being [unique showroom pieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tendril-1). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.4/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Interactive Plants:** Creating plants that respond to touch opens up opportunities for interactive and engaging experiences in various industries. - **Educational Props:** Incorporating interactive plants like the Tickle Me Plant into educational materials offers innovative and immersive learning opportunities. - **Novel Showroom Pieces:** Utilizing plants with moving leaves as showroom pieces can captivate customers and create memorable brand experiences. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Education:** The education industry can leverage interactive plants like the Tickle Me Plant to enhance hands-on learning and engagement. - **Home Decor:** Incorporating plants with moving leaves into home decor can add an element of novelty and intrigue to interior design. - **Retail:** Retailers can utilize interactive plants as showroom pieces to create unique and captivating shopping experiences for customers. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Plant-Powered MIDI Sound Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/love-hultn-tegel.md) - [Indoor Gardening Glowing Petunias](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/firefly-petunia.md) - [Video Game Desktop Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nintendo-talking-flower.md) - [Compact Bio-Synth Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-scion.md) - [Naturalistic Biophilic Lamp Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioo-lamp.md) - [DIY Carnivorous Plant Kits](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grow-your-own-venus-fly-trap.md) - [Cult Film-Inspired Pet Plants](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spot-1.md) - [Interactive AI-Connected Flower Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/folotoy-ai-sunflower.md) - [Indoor Houseplant Care Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/houseplant-care-technology.md)