It turns out that trees not only communicate through fungal networks in their roots, they also pass nutrients around from tree to tree, even between species!
The fungi (many species) grow in contact with the roots of the tree, enjoying the steady source of carbohydrates that the tree has produced, and in exchange giving the tree advantages such as an increased surface area to absorb water, an ability to absorb some minerals like Phosphorus and Nitrogen, and more. Some species of fungus actually attract springtails (tiny insects) in order to kill them and absorb nitrogen from them. One study found that Eastern White Pines can get as much as 25% of their nitrogen from springtails (courtesy of these fungi).
Once nutrients and water are in the fungal network they can be transported around the forest underground. Carbohydrates, nitrogen, water, etc. gathered at one tree can end up above ground in another tree many yards away.
In this way the older and larger trees – Mother Trees – can support the growth of many smaller trees around them, and help young trees get established. Not that any conscious decision-making is involved, but it shows that the tree’s “experiences” are a lot richer than we thought. Amazing stuff, and a whole new perspective on the forest.
There are links to the scientific papers through Suzanne Simard’s web page here: http://farpoint.forestry.ubc.ca/FP/search/Faculty_View.aspx?FAC_ID=3198
Related posts and pages:
- New page on Tree references I’ve just posted a new page that lists some of my most-frequently-used online references about...
- Spruce, Fir, or Hemlock? One of my main goals in creating the Sibley Guide to Trees was to apply...
- Trees in their spring colors I’ve been neglecting trees in my posts recently, but here in Massachusetts spring is the...
- Tree Info The Sibley Guide to Trees (click for info about the book) In-depth discussions of identification...
- Trees with opposite leaves In the past, tree identification guides have emphasized the presence of opposite leaves as one...
- Variation in shape of Hickory nuts Thanks to an email from Ray Telfair I’ve taken a closer look at the illustrations...
- Press about the Guide to Trees 7 Jan 2010 – a short interview with the Boston Globe is here 23 November...
- Identifying trees by color Spring is always an exciting time for birdwatchers, as migrants pass through and summer residents...
