A tropical tree species has been found to harness the power of lightning to its advantage, using its natural lightning rod properties to damage rival trees and boost its competitive edge in the dense jungle.
A tropical tree species has been found to harness the power of lightning to its advantage. The Dipteryx oleifera, also known as ‘almendro,’ acts as a natural lightning rod, attracting strikes that damage rival trees and boost its competitive edge in the dense jungle.
The Lightning-Tree Connection: A Surprising Discovery
Dipteryx oleifera, also known as the 'Brazil nut tree' , boasts a unique combination of characteristics that grant it a competitive advantage in the forest ecosystem.
Its large seeds are rich in protein and oil, making them an essential food source for various wildlife species.
Additionally, its timber is highly valued for furniture-making and other wood products.
According to a study by the Brazilian Forest Service, 'Dipteryx oleifera's seed production can reach up to 100 kg per tree' , providing a substantial revenue stream for local communities.
Researchers from the Barro Colorado Nature Monument in Panama made this discovery after studying the impact of lightning on the forest over several years. Using camera arrays, drones, and ground teams, they tracked lightning strikes and their effects on the trees. Initially, the team expected to find only detrimental effects on the trees, but instead, they found that ‘Dipteryx oleifera benefited from the shock therapy.’
The Benefits of Being Struck by Lightning
The tree’s height and voluminous crowns attract lightning, which damages rival trees and eliminates parasitic vines. These vines are ubiquitous in the jungle, stealing light and nutrients from large trees. By eliminating these competitors, ‘Dipteryx oleifera gains a significant competitive advantage.’
How Does It Work?
Growing next to a Dipteryx oleifera tree seems to be hazardous for neighboring trees, as the findings suggest that almendro trees actively attract lightning. They tend to grow taller and possess wider crowns than their neighbors, making them 68 percent more susceptible to strikes. The competitive advantage gained from these strikes increases the ‘Dipteryx oleifera’s reproductive success by 14 times.’
Uncovering the Secrets of Tree-Lightning Interactions
While researchers have found that Dipteryx oleifera survives lightning strikes with minimal damage, the exact mechanisms behind this phenomenon remain unclear. One possibility is that the tree’s wood has low electrical resistance, allowing it to safely conduct current to the ground without excessive heat buildup. Another hypothesis posits that the tree’s crown structure redirects electricity away from the trunk.
Dipteryx oleifera, commonly known as the Brazil nut tree, is a large evergreen tree native to the Amazon rainforest.
It can grow up to 40 meters in height and has a broad, rounded crown.
The tree produces edible seeds, which are rich in protein and healthy fats.
Brazil nuts are harvested from the pods of Dipteryx oleifera and are considered a delicacy in many parts of the world.
The tree is also valued for its timber and is often used in traditional medicine.
The study highlights the importance of collaborating between ecologists and physicists to understand the dynamics of tree-lightning interactions and uncover the coping mechanisms employed by these remarkable trees.
- sciencenews.org | Some tropical trees act as lightning rods to fend off rivals
