"Plants have a secret social life."

[groovedaddy]

Loyal to Its Roots

From its diminutive lavender flowers to its straggly windblown stalks, there is nothing about the beach weed known as the Great Lakes sea rocket to suggest that it might be any sort of a botanical wonder.

Yet scientists have found evidence that the sea rocket is able to do something that no other plant has ever been shown to do.

The sea rocket, researchers report, can distinguish between plants that are related to it and those that are not. And not only does this plant recognize its kin, but it also gives them preferential treatment.

If the sea rocket detects unrelated plants growing in the ground with it, the plant aggressively sprouts nutrient-grabbing roots. But if it detects family, it politely restrains itself.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/10/science/10plant.html?th&emc=th

[babylonsister]

1. Now I have to worry about my plants conspiring against me?

:cry:

I kid! Very interesting-who knew?!

[groovedaddy]

6. A few weeks ago, we bought several varities of tomato plants

from a woman at a farmer's market. She advised us to buy two of each (I know, my immediate reaction was "sales ploy") as the plants would do better in twos, planted closest to one another. We'll see how that works out.

[maxsolomon]

2. Stevie Wonder!

The Secret Life of Plants! i remember seeing that. i was high. :smoke:

[tridim]

3. Feeeeeed me Seymore!

[myrna minx]

4. That was a very interesting read.

Thanks.

[Mabus]

5. frigging plantists

They sound like Republican plants. Next thing you know, we'll discover some Republican moles.