Trees Recover in Weeks
Researchers discover trees use 'tension wood' to realign stems after storms or landslides
A research team from INRAE and the University Clermont Auvergne has made a groundbreaking discovery about trees' ability to correct their posture. The study, published in New Phytologist, found that trees use a 'muscle' called tension wood to realign their stems within a few weeks.
The researchers used young poplar trees in their experiment, placing them in a horizontal position and observing as they curved upward over time, bringing their tops back to a vertical orientation. This movement is driven by tension wood, which exerts a pulling force on the upper side of the stem, acting like a muscle to correct the curvature.
The study built on previous research that demonstrated plants possess proprioception, the sense through which living organisms perceive the position of their body parts. In 2012, a research team involving INRAE showed that plants have this ability, which enables them to control their posture and remain as straight as possible.
## What happens next The experimental setup used a horizontal platform rotating around its own axis inside a sphere flooded with light coming simultaneously from all directions. This unique setup allowed the researchers to deprive the plants of all senses except proprioception, enabling them to investigate how plants perceive their own shape and adjust their posture.
## Why it matters This ability plays an important role in trees' resilience to extreme events like storms or landslides. By finely perceiving their own shape and combining this information with signals relating to their orientation, trees can adjust their posture to withstand harsh conditions. This discovery could have significant implications for our understanding of plant biology and ecology.
The study's findings highlight the complex and fascinating ways in which plants interact with their environment. As researchers continue to explore the biological mechanisms governed by proprioception, we may uncover new insights into the intricate relationships between plants and their surroundings.
