Telegraph plant is an herb about 4 feet (1.2 meters) high. It is native to tropical Asia and grows in greenhouses in many parts of the world. If the plant, or especially its leaves, is touched, the leaves quickly droop downward, like the arms of a railroad semaphore signal. The plant received its common name from these leaf movements. It bears small purple flowers. The seed pods are jointed and can be separated easily. See also Sensitive plant .
