Walking trees can actually walk? Yes, they can!

Mother Nature is an artist. She has created beautiful works of art. Just walk around a forest, and you will see her beauty in every form.

The giant sequoias, the humbling orchids - there are more wonders of beauty around planet Earth than imaginable. But, sometimes, she does like to play games with us.

Now, imagine if the 'Ents' from 'Lord of the Rings' were real! Or if 'Groot' was able to walk up to you and shake your hand!

Realistically, trees would be impossible to uproot themselves and walk away. But, some can move.

Meet the Socratea exorrhiza tree, commonly known as the walking palm.

What does the walking palm tree look like?

The walking palm tree is a species unique to the forests of Latin America. They are easily noticeable as they reach up to 15-20 meters in height and 16 centimeters in diameter.

But why is this tree unique?

Unlike other trees that have their roots underground, walking palms are known to keep some of their roots above the ground. Mother nature gave them an upper hand to go in search of nutrition themselves. So, if you come across a palm tree with roots that look like a broom in the middle of a South American forest - it's the walking palm!

Historical Information

The first time these trees were mentioned was in 1980 by Dr. Bodley in the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation journal. He noticed that the palm trees would just 'walk away' from the germination point if another seedling fell in its place.

Recently, Dr. Peter Vrsansky, a paleobiologist from the Earth Science Institute of the Slovak Academy of Sciences Bratislava, claimed that he saw these phenomena actually happen!?

Is it possible for a tree to walk?

This can be answered by viewing their unique root system.

Like their neighbours, the Silk Cotton Tree, the Walking Palm has a dense root system. But unlike its fine-leafed friends who hide their roots underground, the walking plam has roots that grow above the soil.

In fact, they can rise several feet above the ground. With time and soil erosion, some of these roots start dying off, and new roots take their place.

The new roots look more like the tentacles of an octopus and act as arms to help the tree move. As they begin holding and growing into new systems, they propel the tree forward. Again, when the roots become too long, they break off the tip so that they can move away from obstacles.

If these trees are so unique, doesn't it make them endangered?

Due to man's greed, the growing population, and deforestation, the walking palm trees are now becoming endangered species. Latin American governments are taking measures to protect these silent giants by conservation and reforestation programs.

So, why do these trees walk around?

The walking palm tree is a perfect example of adaptability in nature. They show that in the face of external pressures, even trees can change their course. The tree is designed with this ability to walk to ensure it survives better than others, even in the harshest climates.

Another important reason for the walking palm is that resources may be scarce in certain areas, or traditional pollination is not an option due to the dense foliage. It is because of this reason that the walking palm trees are so resilient. Something that we should learn!

But how far can our walking palm friend really travel??

These trees can move from as little as 1 meter a year to over 20 meters. However, they prefer staying close to where they began, and they try not to move away too far from home. In a lifetime, the walking palm will not move beyond 100 meters or so.

When does it go for a walk?

The walking palm tree is known to move around due to several reasons. Some of these are:

●????? Changes in climate, such as low rainfall levels or temperature variations

●????? To increase the chance of pollination

●????? Reducing the likelihood of overcrowding in one specific area

●????? To make sure it gets enough food and nourishment

Can rainwater really help the palm walk??

Water is life. It is crucial for any life form to exist. This is also the same for the walking tree. Rainwater helps trees grow strong and healthy. It also helps break down dead bark, twigs and leaves into simple soluble forms of minerals such as potassium, nitrogen, and more. Again, the rainwater replenishes the water in the ground to ensure that the walking palm trees are not struggling to get nourishment, even during a dry spell.

How often does it go for a walk?

The walking palm trees cannot be compared to people going for a stroll in the park. They only move when some drastic environmental condition forces them. But, when studied, it can be seen that the trees take steps every couple of weeks or months. This makes them the sloths of the tree world!

Conclusion

In a perfect world, all trees would be able to get up and walk away. But sadly, Mother Nature has only given this capability to the walking palm.

So, let's take a minute to be awe-struck over a tree that can walk!?

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