You might think you know everything about our big leafy friends, but Mother Nature can often surprise us. If you would like to uncover the secrets of trees that go way beyond the usual photosynthesis, now’s the best time to do it!
Let’s climb all the way to the top and get a better look at the unexpected side of our green companions!
1. Carnivorous trees
Surprisingly, trees aren’t strictly vegetarian. While they won’t attack anyone (duh), they do have a hidden taste for certain minerals that can only be found in animals. Although trees whip up their own sweet, syrupy goo, these forest dwellers rely on fungi to produce vital minerals like sodium and calcium by breaking down meat and bones. It’s a great example of symbiosis, aka “You scratch my roots, I’ll scratch yours.”
2. Are bushes just short trees?
In biology, animals and plants usually have fancy Latin names and fall into specific families and orders, but when it comes to trees, they’re quite the outliers. These green giants don’t fit neatly into those categories. Well, to be even more specific, they’re plants that got really tall to get more sunshine. So technically, a tall bush is also a tree, right?
3. Do trees sleep?
Nap time is important for all living organisms, but have you ever wondered if trees need beauty sleep? Scientists got curious and studied two silver birch trees—one in Finland and the other in the Land Down Under. Using lasers, they found that the trees “relaxed” at night, hitting their lowest point a few hours before dawn, and right before the sun peeked out, some branches perked up. Sure, they may not be snoring like that old guy next door, but it looks like at least these two birches had some good night’s sleep.
