Educational Post for 6/8/19
by Patricia Feager
"My focus is not on solving nature's deeper mysteries.
It is on using nature's deeper mysteries to solve
important societal problems."
Philip Emeagwali
Beneath the ground lies mysteries of the earth that weave through the underground like fiber-optic Internet cables - they are fungi! Trees rely on them for communication in a world unknown to human visitors of the forest who like to enjoy the sights, smells, and sounds of nature. Did you know that that certain trees like Oaks, Spruce, and Beeches all experience pain as soon as something starts nibbling on them? We can see evidence of damage on leaves that have been chewed by insects. Or that a tree can send off an alarm by natural communication unique to the forest when there are predators or creatures causing them harm? Severe windstorms and inclement weather isn't their only enemy. When there is danger there is communication underground.
Leaving fungus alone is good for the environment. A single fungus may cover several square miles and network an entire forest where they make connections to other trees signaling danger when it comes to predators of the forest, such as destructive insects, fire, and drought. Fungi are categorized in between animals and plants. They really are quite amazing and helpful to the environment. Because of their inability to photosynthesize like plants, they depend on organic connections to work together as a team of natural weather and environmental forecasters. Also, fungi may live for a long, long time far exceeding the number of years of humans and other animals. They are useful to increase the quantity and quality by providing life-giving nitrogen and phosphorus in plants that partner with them and that cooperation is essential so that it can suck up nutrients and water.
To grow and benefit many trees fungus penetrates the tree roots allowing its web-like optic fibers to roam freely through the mysterious forest floor where they grow to keep the tree growing and stay healthy. Humans can help the environment by leaving fungus alone. Simple admiration is more than enough. I have always been fascinated by what goes on in the forest, especially when I was in Montana while forest fires were erupting a few years ago. I'll be heading that way again later this fall to see and monitor the progress mother nature has made and will be looking for fungus. And yes, I plan to hook up with my dear friend Kat Palmiotti!
The tree and fungus in my photographs were observed last month in Tennessee.
Patricia Feager, REALTOR®, and Curious Observer
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