Touch-Me-Not: The Makahiya Thorns

Chances I visit the paddy rice field, the dam reservoir releases water and I always love it, reminds me of my very young age playing in the palayan “rice field”. I decided to go barefoot because the water was warm, as expected since summer is approaching and the weather in Cagayan is always hot. I was enjoying the day and preparing for the next batch of feed for my rabbits for weekend I will at school, but I was disappointed. I regret going barefoot on the ground and stepping on a Makahiya plant. The thorns hurt me, so I've decided to make it the topic of my blog instead, lol. A diary that today I stepped on the Makahiya.

One of the best things about my field of specialty is how broad it is. I particularly enjoy studying weeds, including their scientific names and the benefits or drawbacks they bring to society. Allow me to introduce you to Makahiya, also known as Mimosa pudica. In Tagalog, it is called "Makahiya" because when you touch its leaves, they fold, making it appear "shy" and the word shy meant “Mahiyain” in Filipino. In other countries, it is called the "sensitive plant." In some countries, this plant is considered valuable and is used as an ornamental due to its attractive crawling formation of leaves and flowers. However, in my country, the Philippines, it is considered an invasive weed.

Why is it invasive? It multiplies quickly and cannot be easily eradicated through manual labor, as I found out the hard way when I stepped on one. Makahiya's thorns are designed to protect itself from herbivores, but some farmers find it difficult to remove them manually. In these cases, chemical application becomes their only choice.

Makahiya as “touch-me-not”

The Makahiya, also known as the touch-me-not, folds its leaves in response to touch or other stimuli responce. This defence mechanism helps protect the plant from potential harm, such as from herbivores or mechanical damage passing into their spot. When the perceived danger has passed, the leaves reopen and the plant resumes its normal activities, such as photosynthesis.

Touch-me-not, also referenced in the Philippines by national hero Jose Rizal in his first novel, "Noli Me Tangere," which is Latin for "Touch Me Not." This novel became symbolic and referred to the state of the Philippines under colonial rule, where speaking out against the government or the church was considered taboo. However, its so much interesting that the touch-me-not plant and "Noli Me Tangere" are not related at all.

The "Touch me not" from Rizal's book comes from the Bible, John 20:17, where Jesus says to Mary Magdalene "Touch me not; for I am not yet ascended to my Father". This occurred when Mary Magdalene witnessed the resurrection of Jesus and tried to touch him, but he said "touch me not". Similarly, the role of Rizal in the government and church was untouchable.

See how interesting this becomes? Touch-me-not but not touch me not.

Another interesting thing about Makahiya is the Filipino myth often told in schools during elementary times. The story goes that there was a woman named Makahiya who was very shy and would always close her eyes and hide from people when she saw them. One day, a Diwata (goddess) saw how she was and turned her into a plant so that she would never hide again when people touched her.

Like the real makahiya plant that folds its leaves and exposes the thorns. As a form of revenge, it uses its thorns to punish those who come near it.

Then maybe this was my punishment for my childish behavior of enjoying the water from the ditches and stepping barefoot while getting weeds. It wasn't too painful but still endurable. Next time, I'll be wearing my boots instead haha, thanks for reading.