These green wonders of nature are capable of feats that might surprise you.
Let’s explore five incredible things you probably didn’t know plants could do, and see what makes them so remarkable.
1. Sending SOS Signals
When plants are under attack by herbivores, they can’t run away, but they aren’t helpless. Some plants have developed a clever way to protect themselves by sending out SOS signals.
They release chemicals into the air that attract the predators of the insects munching on them. For example, when a plant senses it’s being eaten, it can emit a scent that draws in insects like wasps, which then prey on the herbivores, saving the plant from further damage.
2. Smelling their neighbours
Plants can “smell” in their own way. For instance, the parasitic dodder vine can detect the scent of a nearby tomato plant. It uses this ability to find and latch onto the tomato, from which it then draws nutrients. This sense of smell helps plants identify the presence of potential hosts or competitors, aiding in their survival.
3. Knowing the time
Just like humans, plants have an internal clock. This helps them anticipate daily changes in their environment, such as the rising and setting of the sun.
This ability allows plants to optimise their photosynthesis and other vital processes. For example, some flowers open their petals at specific times of the day, aligning perfectly with the activity of their pollinators. This timekeeping ability ensures they make the most of the sunlight and their interactions with other organisms.
4. Creating giant clones
Some plants can grow into massive organisms from a single root system. A famous example is the Pando aspen colony in Utah, which covers over 100 acres and consists of genetically identical trees all connected by a single root network.
This allows the colony to spread and survive over long periods, with some estimates suggesting it could be thousands of years old. It’s a unique way for plants to propagate and dominate large areas.
5. Forming underground networks
Trees and other plants often form vast underground networks of roots and fungi, known as mycorrhizal networks. These networks allow them to share nutrients and even communicate.
For instance, a tree under attack by pests can send a warning signal through these underground channels to other trees, prompting them to boost their defences. It’s a sophisticated system that helps maintain the health and stability of plant communities.
Next time you see a plant, remember that it’s not just sitting there; it might be smelling, sensing, and communicating in ways we are only beginning to understand. The world of plants is indeed full of wonders, and these five incredible abilities are just the tip of the iceberg.
