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Codariocalyx
motorius, Desmodium gyrans, the Telegraph Plant or
Semaphore Plant, is a tropical Asian shrub. It is a small
and delicate plant, also recognized as a curiosity plant
for its ability to move its leaves; something only a very
few plants can do.
The foliage is very simple. A single stem rises from the
soil and grows separate delicate smaller stems to bear
the leaves. They are oblong and shiny green. The plant
has the special ability to rotate slowly the leaflets
that accompany each leaf. It will do so under the
influence of touch, sunshine, warmth or event small
vibrations. The plant also grows small purple flowers.
Hardiness zones 10-11 (1°C/35°F, 4°C/40°F) in winter.
The Telegraph Plant is not resistant to cold temperatures
at all. It is so fragile that frost will kill it
instantly. It is best suited for a tropical or tempered
climate where it will get the warm conditions it needs.
The Telegraph plant prefers a mildly acid to neutral soil.
The soil must be consistently moist, without drying out
between waterings. The perfect place for this plant is a
light shade, since a direct sun is far too strong for its
delicate nature.
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