These trees benefit when they are hit by lightning

In the collective imagination, lightning is synonymous with destruction. When it strikes a tree, one immediately imagines a split trunk, calcined branches and a living being condemned to decay. Yet, a recent study conducted by Dr. Evan Gora and his team in Panama reveals a surprising phenomenon: a tree, the Dipteryx oleifera, not [...]

To be struck by lightning is not only not lethal but even welcome to some trees.

Lightning kills millions of trees every day, but new research has found that some trees may benefit from lightning strikes. How and why do they do this? Researchers have found the answer. Technician César Gutiérrez climbs a tower to detect and locate lightning strikes in the study area. After detection, drones and field crews monitor the lightning strike. Credit: Evan Gora / Cary Institute for Ecosystem Studies. Suddenly receiving millions of vo…