Trees that do not Touch each other

Maintaining such a distance from one tree to another can be seen in different parts of the world. Similar distances can be seen from the mangroves of Costa Rica to the camphor trees of Malaysia.

The way the discussion came about

In 1982, biologist Francis Jacques Patz was walking in the Black Mangrove Forest in a national park in Guantanamo Bay, Costa Rica, to escape the scorching heat of the afternoon. After a few hours of fieldwork and a nap after lunch, he decided to take a nap under a tree.

As he slept, he looked up and noticed that the branches of one tree were leaning against another because of the wind, but the leaves of the trees kept their distance from the leaves of another tree. As if one tree is not interested in touching the leaves of another tree.

The cause of Crown Shines

Scientists have not yet been able to identify the real cause of this gap in the trees. Each scientist has given a different kind of theory. However, most of them have admitted that there is no single reason behind Crown Shines. There could be multiple reasons behind this.

Some scientists initially speculated that plants could not fill these gaps due to a lack of light, one of the most important components of photosynthesis.

Marley G. Dugad, a forester and horticulturist at Yale University, said such prudence could take many trees one step further. To do this, the plants use a special sensing system to detect chemicals emanating from the surrounding vegetation. Such chemical interactions with trees are quite complex and occur in small amounts. But if one tree can perceive another, they can stop growing their own twigs and leaves before they can touch each other.

Loman thinks the tree’s own advantage is behind the crown shines. One of the parts of a tree, he said, is its leaves. The tree wants to protect its leaves at any cost. If one of its branches is injured by the wind, it is fatal to the tree. That is why the trees try to live at a distance.

According to Miguel Franco’s theory, each tree forces its neighbors to move in a pattern that maximizes resource accumulation and reduces harmful competition. Ecological interactions are quite complex. As a result, there may be multiple reasons behind Crown Shines.

Advantage

Due to the vacuum created, sunlight can reach the forest soil. This makes it easier for small plants and animals to survive, which in turn indirectly helps the larger plants to survive.

Patz thinks that these gaps help the trees to avoid the invasive creeper called Lianas. This type of creeper is found in tropical and temperate forests worldwide. In addition, these spaces help to avoid pathogens and insects. Plants also need to be kept at a distance to protect themselves from external pathogens. This particular species of tree adheres to that.