Codariocalyx motorius, the dancing plant

Codariocalyx motorius, often referred to as Desmodium gyrans, is a sensitive plant, just like Biophytum sensitivum and Mimosa pudica. This means that part of its foliage reacts to external stimuli by moving in a way that is visible to the naked eye. But unlike the two species mentioned above, the reaction of the leaflets of Codariocalyx motorius is not defensive: it is a strategy to capture as much sunlight as possible!

To illustrate this movement, we need… movement! So here are a few shots of Codariocalyx motorius in real time.