Walking Trees??
We all know trees are amazing creatures. Trees often stay connected, exchanging water and nutrients through their roots. Merely spending time in forests help us humans to improve our physical and mental health. But, who knew trees could walk??
There is a type of palm in Ecuador that allegedly “walks” up to 20 meters per year! Scientifically called Socratea exorrhiza, these palms resemble broomsticks as their roots are elongated and partially above ground. Local lore has the trees moving to get more sun while scientists have a more down-to earth explanation.
Scientists hypothesize that the movement of the trees from the spot of germination is due to two factors, sunlight and soil erosion. So, as the soil erodes the tree forms new roots in firmer ground and generally closer to the sunshine. The older roots will disintegrate and the tree shifts its center toward the new, healthy root system. In this way the trees appear to be walking! And, as this process repeats itself, the trees can actually move themselves up to 20 meters per year!
Next time you find yourself in Equador’s Forest of Clouds you could take a walk with one of their spectacular trees…but it would be a slow walk as you would only move a couple of centimeters per day!
Special thanks to the BBC and Equador’s Forest of Clouds Conservation and Ecotourism for the information and pictures contained in this blog.