How trees communicate

Ever wondered how trees communicate?

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

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

For example, umbrella thorn acacia can emit a warning gas (ethylene) through their leaves within minutes ofa giraffe starting to eat them.

This triggers a similar reaction innearby trees of the same species.

2. Visual: Trees use bright, vividcolours in their blossoms to attract pollinators.

Think any local tree or wildflower.

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

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

Image: artellliii72 (Pixabay)

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