We always think that plants are inanimate because they do not have a brain or nervous system like animals. However, the plant world contains many mysteries that humans have not yet discovered.
Plants with unique abilities
- Mimosa pudica
Mimosa pudica, also known as Mimosa pudica, Mimosa pudica L., Mimosa pudica L., is a plant that has the ability to “shrink” itself when impacted from the outside. According to scientists, this ability is related to the “tension effect” of the mimosa leaf. At the end of the leaf stem, there is a thin cell tissue called a leaf vesicle, filled with water inside. When touched, the leaf is shaken, the water in the leaf vesicle cells immediately rushes to the two upper sides. So the lower part of the leaf sac collapses like a deflated balloon, while the upper part is like an inflated balloon. That causes the leaf stem to collapse and close. When a leaf closes, it sends a signal to the other leaves, causing them to close in turn. But just a few minutes later, the lower part of the leaf sac gradually fills with water, and the leaf opens back up to its original shape.
Another study by scientists at the University of Western Australia shows that the mimosa plant also has the ability to remember events that have happened like animals.
- Black parrot plant
The black parrot plant (scientific name is Bruguiera sexangula) is a species of flowering plant in the Rhizophoraceae family. This species was first scientifically described by (Lour.) Poir. in 1816. Not only is it a woody plant, the black parrot plant also surprises scientists with its ability to give birth and raise “children” like animals.
Basically, the black parrot tree also maintains its species like other plants, they flower, pollinate, and pollinate to create seeds. However, while the seeds of other plants separate from the mother’s body, fall to the ground, then absorb nutrients and take root, germinating into seedlings, the seeds of the black parrot tree germinate into seedlings right on the trunk of the mother tree. Until it develops and is able to live independently, the young black parrot trees separate from the mother tree, root into the mud to develop into seedlings. This characteristic is quite similar to the reproductive form of animals: fertilization, pregnancy, and childbirth. Mothers will take care of their children until they are able to live independently before letting them leave.
- Baobab tree
The baobab tree is a very special woody tree, originating from Africa and Australia. The baobab tree is from 5 to 30m high and can be up to 50m in diameter. The tree can live in different climate conditions, especially in arid and harsh climates.
The baobab tree is noted by scientists for its ability to store water inside its swollen trunk. The water capacity inside the trunk can be up to 120,000 liters of water. The reason the tree can store so much water is to ensure survival in the specific arid conditions in each area.
In addition, the life span of the baobab tree is among the oldest tree species on Earth. Some trees are considered to have lived for thousands of years, but because their wood does not produce annual growth rings, it is difficult to verify this. Today, thanks to the radiocarbon method, people can determine that most baobab trees are only a few hundred years old and the oldest tree is 2,000 years old.
- Mini pitcher plant
Scientists have discovered that the mini pitcher plant also has the ability to actively move its lid to trap prey. Mini pitcher plant (scientific name Nepenthes gracilis) is a plant that often lives in humid environments, especially in the humid tropical forests of Southeast Asia. The pitcher plant consists of two parts, the “pitcher” is elongated and contains digestive juices to liquefy insects that fall into the trap. Meanwhile, the “lid” on top serves to cover the “pitcher” from being soaked in rainwater, avoiding diluting the acid. When prey falls into the pitcher, it will dissolve into nutrients that feed the plant.
Initially, scientists thought that the lid only protected the pitcher. But then, they used high-speed cameras and laser equipment to observe and discovered that the lid can also trap prey. Specifically, the lid of the pitcher plant works like a pedal. When it rains, it continuously rotates up and down so that raindrops hit the lid, causing insects to fall under the pitcher.
- Mustard
Mustard is a plant species in the genus Brassica and Sinapis, family Brassicaceae. Mustard plants often produce a chemical to attract parasitic wasps to help them destroy caterpillars that intend to eat the leaves. The reason is that mustard plants are often eaten by caterpillars. Therefore, when caterpillar eggs appear on the leaves, they will immediately activate this self-defense mechanism.
In addition, in 2014, British scientists determined that white mustard plants can limit the destruction of chemical weapons. Tests showed that mustard plants grown in soil contaminated with the nerve agent VX absorbed this poison through the roots and retained it for at least 45 days. This finding suggests the possibility of using mustard plants in decontamination of soil after chemical warfare.
