How trees communicate

Ever wondered how trees communicate?

Here are some of the incredible ways in which trees communicatewith each other...

1. Scent: Trees use scent similarly to how we use pheromones.

 For example, umbrella thorn acacia trees can emit a warning gas(ethylene) through their leaves within minutes of a giraffe starting to eatthem.

 This triggers a similar reaction in nearby trees of the samespecies.

2. Visual: Trees use bright, vivid colours in their blossoms toattract pollinators.

 Think any local tree or wildflower.

3. Electrical signals: Trees use fungal networks around their roottips (“wood wide web”) as a vehicle for both chemical compounds and electricalsignals, the latter moving at a speed of about 8cm per second.

 This can lead to chemical defence, such as when an oak releasesfoul-tasting tannins into its leaves.

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