When we think of plants, we think of them just quietly growing, minding their own business. But, in fact, they are plotting to take over the world. They are sharing nutrients and information with each other and even sabotaging unwelcome plants with toxic chemicals.
About 90% of land plants are in a relationship with fungi, mutually-beneficial of course. Fungi are made up of a mass of thin thread like things called mycelium. By simply plugging in to mycelial networks, it makes them more resistant to diseases.
It has taken decades to find out what this fungal internet can do. In 1997, Suzanne Simard found what Douglas fir and paper birch trees were transferring carbon between them via the mycelia.
Sharing information, getting together to kill off unwanted plants, and using fungi, plants are communicating with each other which we never really knew before.
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