A leguminous plant, Aeschynomene virginica, native to the eastern United States and now endangered, having jointed pods and leaflets that fold together slightly when touched.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Asa Gray (1810–1888), botanist.
Definition of sensitive joint vetch in US English:
sensitive joint vetch
noun
A leguminous plant, Aeschynomene virginica, native to the eastern United States and now endangered, having jointed pods and leaflets that fold together slightly when touched.
Origin
Mid 19th century; earliest use found in Asa Gray (1810–1888), botanist.