Multiple choice general knowledge

Look, don’t touch! One lovely North American wildflower goes by the common names of jewelweed and touch-me-not. It is called jewelweed because its blossoms look like hanging jewels, but why is it called touch-me-not?

  1. It dies if touched

  2. It causes an itchy rash

  3. It leaves an almost indelible stain

  4. Its seed pods explode on contact
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
D Correct answer
Explanation

Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) is called 'touch-me-not' because its ripe seed pods are explosive - when touched or bumped, they burst open and scatter seeds in all directions. This seed dispersal mechanism ensures the plant spreads effectively, unlike the other options which are myths about the plant.

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