I just read a fascinating article, entitled, “Never Underestimate the Intelligence of Trees” by Brandon Keim. It was both gripping and educational from beginning to end. I strongly urge you to read it.
Here are but a few of the things I learned from this article:
- There is a fungal/root connection that allows nutrients to flow, but it also connects trees to each other.
- They form networks with mother trees at the center of communities, exchanging nutrients and water.
- Plants communicate. They perceive and receive messages, and will change their behaviors based on those messages.
- They remember. They learn.
- When a forest is under attack, it actually emits a defense chemistry that you can smell.
- Trees can recognize seedlings that are related to them, and give advantages to those seedlings over those of a “stranger”. They are capable of making that choice.
- When a plant is stressed out, it releases serotonin, just like we do.
- If you clip a plant’s leaves or put a bunch of bugs on them, their neurochemistry changes. They send warning messages to their neighbors.
Mind officially blown. I think I’ll be seeing my next hike in the woods entirely differently. Hopefully this new mindset will give me comfort, rather than the creeps. Like I’m being watched. Like their talking about me. Hmm…
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The View from a Drawbridge 