The unique power of plants has always amazed everyone for many years since they`re the closest thing we can call “Self Sustaining” creatures.
Thomas McLoughlin, author of A GUIDE TO PENNSYLVANIAN (CARBONIFEROUS) AGE PLANT FOSSILS OF SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA, is fascinated with the power of plants, especially the ancient ones. His book about the fossil plants of Southwest Virginia is an informative book readers shouldn’t miss. If you’re interested in fossilized plants, this book should certainly be on your radar.
Now, it’s time to check out some plants with real superpowers. We guarantee that you’ll be surprised by some of the powers you’re about to see!
Plants have a Unique Way of Communication
Certain plants, such as cabbage, release a volatile gas to alert other plants nearby about the presence of animals or insects. Usually, these plants send out alarm signals to inform their friends and family of the danger. The scent of recently cut grass—which we all enjoy—is actually a plant’s way of calling its relatives in distress or yelling.
Certain plants, like maize saplings, have been shown to emit clicking sounds and respond to them. This demonstrates that certain plants can interact not just through chemical means but also through sound.
Believe it or Not, Some Plants can Count
The ability of carnivorous plants to consume small animals, including insects, birds, and even primates, is undoubtedly their most notable “power.” However, some are far more intelligent than that; for example, the Venus flytrap can count to a minimum of five. After five triggers, the trap shuts on the oblivious insect and is then digested.
The harder the unfortunate animal tries to get out, the more enzymes are created to turn it into a tasty soup. This finding adds to the data showing certain plants possess mental abilities despite lacking a brain. These behaviors include calculation.
Fruits that Explode with Intensity
One of the world’s most hazardous plants is Hura Crepitans, and it shows the unique power of plants. Its size—which may grow up to 60 meters—and its spiked bark make it simple to identify.
Thomas McLoughlin’s book about the fossil plants of Southwest Virginia mentions a type of ancient fruit that explodes, too. But what makes Hura Crepitans different is how these sharp spikes aren’t the only way the fruit can cause serious harm. With a loud explosion, its toxic fruits release large, hard seed shrapnels that can injure people severely at speeds of up to 240 km/h.
Hura Crepitans, which is native to South America and was later brought to other areas of the world, is also known as the “Monkey no climb” or the “sandbox tree.” It’s absolutely one of the amazing plants with real superpowers.
Longevity is the Name of the Game
Methuselah and Old Hara, two Bristlecone pines in the USA’s White Mountains of California, are the oldest known humans on Earth. Their ages are 4845 and 5062 years old, respectively. Both essentially began to grow during Stonehenge’s building.
They Recruit Bodyguards to Help Protect them
In East Africa, Vachellia Drepanolobium is a dominating plant species that has intriguing interactions with some ant species. This tree evolved long, thin spikes to defend itself against giraffes and elephants, and it dug holes in bulbs to harbor ant colonies. In addition, the tree secretes a nectar that gives ants the nutrients they require.
Due to the noise the wind makes when it blows past the abandoned anthills, the tree is commonly referred to as the “Whistling Thorn.”
“Touch Me Not!” This Plant Must Be Shy
Originally from South America, Mimosa Pudica is a unique plant that is now spread around the globe. In addition to being referred to as a “sensitive plant,” it is also called “shame plant” or “Touch me not.” As one might expect, the most fascinating aspect of this timid plant is how it reacts to contact.
When touched or shaken, the leaves curl up and fall because of a primitive nerve system. Research has demonstrated that leaves may communicate with nearby leaves by closing in response to various stimuli, including wind and heat.
Hope You Enjoyed the Unique Power of Plants we Showcased
Talking about the plants we have here was not only fun, but it was also pretty educational. Plants are fascinating creatures, and they deserve to be appreciated more, especially the ones from ancient times. We hope you had fun reading about these superpowers.
Don’t forget to buy a copy of Thomas McLoughlin’s book by visiting his website at https://www.tfmcloughlin.com/ so that you can get a book about the fossil plants of Southwest Virginia. Check out some other blogs, too, and read up on Oldest Plants in the World!
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