Trees are not dumb: Trees communicate. Are you surprised? No, this is not a fairy tale. Trees also communicate with each other. They share the resources to survive healthily. How? Let’s discuss in detail in this context.
Trees communicate with each other primarily through an underground network of fungi called “mycorrhizal networks”, often referred to as the “wood wide web”, where they can send chemical signals And can share nutrients like water, carbon, and nitrogen, essentially “talking” to each other and supporting each other’s growth, especially between the older “mother tree” and the younger seedlings.This process allows them to communicate about their needs and even alert each other to potential threats such as insects or drought.
The following are key points about plant interactions:
1 . Fungal Network:
The main means of communication in plants is through the fungal mycelium. which grows around and inside their roots, creating a vast interconnected network.
2. Chemical signals:
Plants send chemical signals through this network to communicate information about their needs, stress levels, and environmental conditions, either through the air or through their roots. Trees have a symbiotic relationship with fungi, which help them absorb nutrients from the soil.
These fungal networks can connect multiple trees, enabling them to share resources. For example, when a tree is attacked by insects, it can send out chemical signals to alert nearby trees.
3. Nutrient sharing:
Through fungal networks, plants can transfer nutrients such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus to each other, especially supporting small trees or trees under stress.
4. Interaction:
Nearby trees can interact through their canopies, also playing a major role in influencing each other’s growth patterns, sunlight absorption, and wind resistance.
5. Mother trees:
Large, older trees often act as the hub of this network. One of their functions is to support and provide resources to nearby smaller trees.
6. Species diversity:
While trees of the same species may have strong connections, different tree species can also communicate through mycorrhizal networks.
7. Electrical signals:
Research has shown that trees communicate through electrical signals, just like how humans send messages to each other using electronic devices.
8. Support and stability:
Trees can physically support each other, especially when one tree is weak or damaged. These interactions can benefit the tree in a number of ways, such as: – Increased resource sharing and acquisition – Pest and Improved defense against disease – Increased stability and support – Control of growth patterns and competition. Trees are truly a special kind of social organis. They communicate and cooperate with each other in complex and fascinating ways!
Plants also communicate with each other in a variety of other ways. Such as:
1. Hormonal signaling:
Plants can communicate through hormonal signaling, which helps regulate growth, defense, and stress responses.
2. Rhizome signaling:
Some trees, such as aspen and birch, have connected root systems (rhizomes) that help them share nutrients and signals.
3. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs):
Trees release VOCs into the air, which can convey information about stress, disease, and insect infestation to nearby trees.
4. Microbial interactions:
Plants interact with microorganisms in the soil, which affect nutrient cycling, decomposition, and plant defenses.
5. Epiphyte relationships:
Trees can have epiphytes (plants that grow on other plants) such as mosses, ferns, and orchids, which create a complex relationship and dependence of one plant on another.
6. Coordinated Behavior:
Trees can exhibit coordinated behavior, such as synchronized growth patterns or simultaneous leaf shedding, etc. These complex interactions highlight the fascinating social lives of trees and their interconnectedness with each other and their environment!
This was the personal communication system of trees. Now let’s shed light on another important issue. Although trees do not have a central nervous system or sensory organs, research has shown that trees can communicate with humans in various ways:
1. Biofeedback:
Plants respond to their environment, and researchers have used biofeedback sensors to detect these responses. This can help people understand plant behavior and needs.
2. Electrical signals:
Trees produce electrical signals similar to human brain waves, which can be detected and interpreted. This has led to the development of “tree listening” devices.
3. Vibrational signals:
Trees communicate through vibrational signals, such as those transmitted through their roots or branches. Researchers are using sensors to detect these vibrations.
4. Chemical signals:
Plants emit chemical signals, such as VOCs, which can reveal information about stress, disease, or insect infestation. People can detect these signals using special equipment. Now the question may arise, what is VOC?VOC stands for volatile organic compounds, which are chemicals that evaporate into the air.
5. Mycorrhizal networks:
Humans can also communicate with plants through mycorrhizal networks, which connect the roots of the plant with fungi. This network can facilitate the exchange of nutrients and the transfer of information.
6. Hugging a tree:
Believe it or not, hugging a tree has been shown to have a positive effect on both humans and trees! Physical contact can stimulate the tree’s natural defense system.
7. Purpose and Consciousness:
Some researchers have explored the idea that trees respond to human will and consciousness. This is a more speculative area, but it has sparked interesting discussions about the interconnectedness of living things.
Although these methods are not traditional “communication” like human language, it is still proven that trees can communicate and respond to humans in meaningful ways.
Another question that may come to mind in this context is, do trees have the ability to hear?
Although trees do not have ears or traditional hearing systems, research has shown that trees can actually “listen” to their environment and respond to various stimuli, including sound.
Let’s take a look at some interesting ways in which this is also the case:
1. Vibration sensing:
Plants can detect vibrations in air, water, and soil. This helps them respond to environmental changes, such as wind, rain, or insect movement.
2. Seismic Sensing:
Trees can sense seismic vibrations, which travel through the soil. This helps them detect and respond to events such as earthquakes or animal movements.
3. Sound Sensation:
Studies have shown that plants can detect and respond to specific sound frequencies, such as the sounds produced by flowing water or the buzzing of insects.
4. Electrical signals:
Plants produce electrical signals in response to environmental stimuli, including sound. These signals can help plants communicate with each other and respond to their environment.
Although trees cannot “hear” in the classical sense, they are highly attuned to their environment and can respond to a variety of stimuli, including sound. So, can trees hear us? “No” in the classical sense, but they are able to respond to the vibrations or sounds we produce!
Hopefully, we have been able to present to you many unknown facts about trees today.