Do trees communicate with each other or plants? It’s a fascinating question. Recent research suggests that trees indeed have a complex system of communication, using underground networks of fungi called mycorrhizal networks to exchange information and resources with neighboring trees. While it’s not exactly like how we humans communicate, this network allows trees to share nutrients, warn each other about pests or pathogens, and even send chemical signals to attract beneficial insects. So, in a way, trees do communicate, not just with each other but also with other plants through these underground connections.
Trees have been depicted as old and wise creatures in books and movies who have the answer to everything. Well, they got the old part right but, what about the wise part? This article will walk you through tree memories, do trees communicate with each other and their network.
What are tree memories?
It is so beautiful to find out that trees have memories. They do not feel and reminisce their memories as we humans and animals do, but they do keep a recollection of things they have gone through.
There is a great reason to believe that trees have memories, and that reason is adaptation. You cannot change and adapt if you do not remember what went wrong. There has been proof of trees recording events in the tree rings and being passed onto their progeny. However, at the same time, we should be clear about whether trees possess consciousness, as having memory and consciousness are different concepts.
That being said, the memories trees have are not like ours, it is not about experiencing and learning like it is for us. They use neurotransmitters to store information from the environment. This is called a volatile organic compound and mycorrhizal network.
How do trees communicate with each other?
Trees communicate with each other. The way they communicate is almost the same concept as using the internet. Their roots form a network that shares water and nutrients and also distress signals among each other. These are called mycorrhizal networks.
The mycorrhizal network is a group of small mycelium fungi that wrap themselves around the roots of the trees. It is through this network, that trees can transmit nitrogen, carbon, minerals, and water with each other.
And then there is VOC; Volatile Organic Compounds, which are transmitted to each other via air to send signals to each other. How do they work? These carbon-based chemicals evaporate from liquid or solid at a much lower temperature. These are used to alert the neighboring plants and trees about insects and diseases. This is an integral reason for forest longevity.
Trees have adapted and formed their own way of surviving. They are the reason for our survival as well. Now we have learned that trees indeed do communicate with each other. They do not do it like we do, but the proof is enough to show us that we need to respect them and look out for them.
Trees are essential for survival so this knowledge that trees and plants can communicate and have memories should be enough to encourage us to plant more trees.
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FAQs
Do plants communicate with other plants?
Plants may communicate underground through their roots. They can do this by sending out chemicals that prevent other plants’ roots from growing, as if to announce, “Hey, I got here first!” However, plants can also cooperate. In one study, plants were paired up and kept near to one another in a laboratory.
What type of communication do trees have?
Scientists are only now beginning to understand the signals that trees may deliver, which include chemical, hormonal, and even slow-pulsing electrical signals.
What organisms help trees talk to each other?
By connecting numerous trees through their root systems, fungi form the Mycorrhizal Network, or “wood wide web.” Trees communicate with one another through this network to exchange nutrients, chemicals, and electrical signals, and to alert one another to impending attacks.
Can trees hear us?
As well as many other senses, plants can hear, smell, taste, touch, and see. Their senses are typically more developed than ours. On a calm day, the slightest brush of your finger against a leaf can instantly produce a wide range of changes in a plant’s chemistry and growth.
How do plants communicate with plants?
Plants use their roots to communicate with one another by releasing minute amounts of unique compounds into the soil throughout their root zone, or what scientists refer to as the rhizosphere. All other organisms in the root zone receive signals from these substances, which are referred to as root exudates.
Do trees have memory?
We often take memory in humans for granted, but we hardly ever wonder if any plants could possess a similar ability. According to recent research, there is a possibility that some events are preserved in tree rings and may even be inherited by future generations.
What language do trees speak?
They demonstrate how mycorrhizal fungi, an underground hyphal network, allow trees to communicate with one another. Trees “speak” at frequencies that are inaudible to people, hence this natural language is beyond human comprehension.
