The Hidden Language of Plants

While they may not speak or move like animals, plants have developed fascinating ways to communicate with one another. One of the most well-known methods is through the release of chemical signals. When a plant is attacked by pests, it can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Nearby plants detect these signals and begin producing their own chemical defenses in response even before they’re attacked. This “early warning system” helps plants in a community survive threats more effectively, showing just how interconnected ecosystems can be.

Underground Networks The Wood Wide Web

Beyond the surface, plants also communicate through their roots using underground fungal networks, often referred to as the “Wood Wide Web.” These fungi, called mycorrhizae, connect with the roots of multiple plants and allow them to share nutrients and information. For example, a large tree might send sugars to a smaller, shaded plant that’s struggling, or alert others to drought stress or insect attacks. This silent form of cooperation challenges the old view of nature as purely competitive and reveals a surprisingly cooperative side to plant life. Shutdown123