1. Plants Can Communicate With Each Other
For centuries, it was believed that plants were simple organisms, using basic responses to adapt to their environment. However, modern science has shown us that plants are far more complex than we once thought. Plants “talk” to each other in a way that might surprise you. Through their roots, they release chemicals into the soil, called root exudates, which send signals to other living organisms in the surrounding area. This communication helps them thrive and protect themselves. For example, a study found that a 40-meter-tall spruce tree can share carbon with smaller trees like beech, larch, and pine through their shared root zones.
2. Plants Can Recognize Their Siblings
Biologists have discovered that plants display a form of familial recognition. While plants compete with other members of their species, they tend to be more accommodating towards their siblings. A study from McMaster University observed the annual plant Cakile edentula and found that when siblings were planted together, they didn’t fight for resources the way unrelated plants did. Instead, they grew more cooperatively, which suggests that plants might recognize kin and prioritize them when it comes to sharing resources like water and nutrients.
3. Plants Respond to Sound
Plants aren’t as passive as we once thought. In fact, they can respond to sound, and some researchers believe that sound could even influence plant growth. For instance, a study found that the roots of pea plants can detect vibrations from water flowing underground, guiding them toward moisture. Additionally, acoustic frequencies have been shown to increase the yield of plants like sweet peppers and tomatoes, with increases of up to 63% and 13% respectively.
4. Plants Sense Gravity
Much like humans, plants can sense gravity and respond accordingly. This phenomenon is called gravitropism. Specialized cells in plant roots, called statocytes, help plants detect gravity. These cells contain starch grains that shift under the influence of gravity, signaling to the plant which direction to grow. This process ensures that roots grow downward and stems grow upward, allowing the plant to orient itself in the most efficient way.
5. Plants Use Deception to Lure Pollinators
Some plants are master manipulators, using clever tricks to attract pollinators. For example, orchids use flowers that resemble female wasps and release a scent to attract male wasps. The males attempt to mate with the flowers, unknowingly pollinating them in the process. Similarly, the Rafflesia plant mimics the appearance and smell of rotting meat to attract flies. The flies land, hoping to lay eggs, and as they move around, they help the plant spread pollen.
6. Plants Release Distress Signals When Stressed
When plants are under threat, they have their own way of signaling distress. The smell of freshly cut grass, for example, is actually a distress call. Plants release volatile chemicals when they’re attacked by pests. For instance, when caterpillars munch on a plant, it can release chemicals that attract parasitic wasps, which then lay eggs inside the caterpillars. This process helps the plant fend off predators and survive longer.
7. Plants Have Their Own Circadian Rhythm
Just like humans, plants have an internal clock known as the circadian rhythm. This clock helps them anticipate environmental changes, like light and dark cycles, allowing them to optimize energy use throughout the day. The circadian rhythm controls when plants open and close their flowers, release scents, or grow. By managing these processes, plants avoid wasting energy and ensure their survival.
8. Plants Don’t Use Calendars, But They Know the Seasons
Plants are remarkably skilled at sensing the changing of seasons, without the need for a calendar. They can detect changes in day length, which signals the approach of a new season. Some plants, for instance, can sense the longer days of spring, prompting them to flower and produce seeds for the next season. Others, especially those in colder climates, grow rapidly during short summers and slow down during long winters, adapting to the harsh conditions.
9. Strawberries Are Not Actually Berries
Did you know that strawberries aren’t technically berries? Unlike most fruits, strawberries bear their seeds on the outside. Each strawberry contains about 200 tiny seeds, which are actually separate fruits that grow on the surface. Interestingly, strawberries are part of the rose family, not the berry family. Despite their name, they’re considered aggregate fruits, made up of many smaller individual fruits.
10. Trees Are the Longest-Living Organisms on Earth
Trees are incredible survivors, with some living for thousands of years. The Great Basin Bristlecone Pine, for example, is believed to be around 5,000 years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms on the planet.
One of the reasons trees live so long is their ability to store energy in their roots and trunks. This energy allows them to recover from damage, whether it’s from fire, disease, or harsh weather conditions. Their longevity is also aided by negligible senescence, a phenomenon where trees actually get healthier and more productive as they age.
