This tree uses lightning to destroy its enemies

This tree uses lightning to destroy its enemies

The almendro (Dipteryx oleifera) is a massive rainforest tree native to Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and Ecuador. While studying the impact of lightning on a forest in Panama's Barro Colorado Nature Monument, researchers discovered that the almendro trees have a very special power. — Read the rest The post This tree uses lightning to destroy its enemies appeared first on Boing Boing.

Why Would A Tree Taunt Thor?

It might seem implausible, but Evan Gora and colleagues from across the USA have found that being struck by lightning might be good for you, if you’re a tree. The crucial factor is that you have to be the right kind of tree. They believe that Dipteryx oleifera, a tree found in the rain forests of Panama, may have evolved to attract lightning. Their study finds that lightning might be an overlooked element of tree competition. Lightning is lethal…

The tonka bean (Dipteryx oleifera) not only survives a lightning strike, but also uses it to damage surrounding rival plants and parasitic vines.