Multiple choice general knowledge

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 explosively burst open when touched, flinging seeds several feet away, a seed dispersal mechanism called ballistic dispersal. It doesn't cause rashes, leave stains, or die from being touched.

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