Trees appear to be extremely quiet and stationary entities. However, researches have revealed extremely surprising information about trees. It has been revealed that they can communicate among themselves, interact with smell, sign and some methods. At the same time, they provide support for the strengthening of weak trees through their roots. The most surprising of these is the ability of trees to walk.
Although not every tree can walk, the tree species known as “Socratea exorrhiza”, that is, “walking palms”, found in the tropical rain forests of the Americas, has the ability to move. These trees, which have a very different root structure, can walk up to a distance of 1 meter per year and even up to 20 meters when necessary.
How does it perform the walking process?
The walking palm, which is a member of the palm family, is a natural plant of the tropical rainforests of Central and North America. The reason for their ability to walk is their undifferentiated root structure. These trees, which reach an average height of 12 meters, move by using their roots to catch the sunlight.
In order to reveal this striking natural phenomenon; Paleontologist Peter Vrsansky, who works at the Slovak Academy of Sciences, Institute of Earth Sciences, carried out observations and studies on site for months. According to the researches, the soil where the roots of the trees are located begins to erode over time. As a result of this erosion, the tree grows new roots in order to change its ground and to find a more solid and sun-drenched ground. The distance of a solid ground can sometimes reach up to 20 meters. For this reason, the tree can move until it finds the appropriate ground.
The tree first develops new roots in the direction it wants to go. The new roots that find a suitable ground are firmly attached to the soil. The tree begins to lean towards these new roots. Then the old roots come out of the soil and settle towards the ground where the new roots are. In this way, the tree performs the process of moving towards the side where the new roots are located.
These extraordinary trees, which are the miracle of nature, are cut down for many reasons and their species are endangered. Roots and stems are used for various commercial purposes. In addition, the inner parts of the roots are used as an aphrodisiac.
