THIS pot of Desmodium gyrans may not look like much, but it comes 'alive' when music is played.

Imported from Thailand, the plant is also known as the 'dancing plant' as its leaves move slowly as if they are dancing.

Little is known about why the plant responds when music is played. Some claim that sound vibrations make it 'dance'.

A study done in 1998 says the movements are caused by the swelling and shrinking of motor cells in special organs buried deep within the leaves.

The movement of water molecules causes the motor cells in the leaves to shrink or swell and, as the water enters and exits, the plant's little leaflets twitch.

Experts say there is no particular sound it reacts to, though some believe that it does not respond well to electronic sounds.

The dancing plant requires consistently moist soil.

Dancing plant ($18) from Gardentech 2007, HortPark, 33 Hyderabad Road, from today till Tuesday, 10am to 9pm. Admission is free.