nullisland
The secret language of trees
Trees have large family trees, whose living members are in constant communication, using the mycorrhizae system. Hosting multiple fungal species allows each tree to connect with a wider network, as each group of symbiotic shrooms spreads information to their own personal crews, party line style. On the other end, the receiving tree can identify its relation to the tree of origin, whether they are both members of what we humans refer to as a nuclear family, or much more distant relations. And while this giant subterranean system for sharing information and resources is specific to trees, when we consider how many other forest denizens depend on trees for food and shelter, the message system seems even more vital to the planet’s health.
A more in-depth look: How trees talk to each other by Suzanne Simard (TED Talk)
Wood Wide Web Trees Ecosystem Theory Peter Wohlleben plant intelligence