Indeed, the Venus flytrap is a classic illustration of how plants can display behaviors that appear unrelated to their typical roles. The Venus flytrap is a carnivorous plant that captures insects using specialized leaves that snap shut when triggered by the presence of prey.

Another intriguing example is the “walking tree,” scientifically known as Socratea exorrhiza. This tree, commonly found in rainforests, has evolved a fascinating behavior in response to changing light conditions. It grows stilt-like roots that emerge from the trunk and can move or “walk” over time, allowing the tree to reposition itself to seek out better sunlight for optimal growth.

Both the Venus flytrap and the walking tree showcase the incredible adaptability and diversity of plant life, demonstrating that plants can exhibit behaviors beyond their traditional roles of photosynthesis and growth.

The “walking tree,” scientifically known as Socratea exorrhiza, is a rare plant found in the tropical forests of Latin America, particularly in regions like Central and South America. This unique palm tree has developed the ability to move or “walk” on the forest floor, and this behavior is thought to have evolved through natural selection.

The walking behavior of the Socratea exorrhiza is not as dramatic as walking in the traditional sense, but rather involves the growth of specialized stilt-like roots that emerge from the base of the trunk. These roots grow horizontally and then curve upward, allowing the tree to gradually reposition itself over time. This movement can help the tree disperse its seeds more effectively.

As the tree moves, its seeds are released at different points away from the parent tree. This increases the chances of successful germination and growth because the seeds are distributed to areas with different light, water, and nutrient conditions. This behavior gives the tree’s offspring a better chance of finding suitable conditions for growth without having to compete directly with the parent tree.

The ability of the walking tree to move its roots and change its position is a remarkable example of how plants have evolved unique adaptations to enhance their survival and reproductive success in their specific environments.

According to tour guides, the walking tree employs its aerial roots at the base as a support system to maintain stability during its movement. This unique ability allows it to gracefully travel several tens of meters annually, resembling the motion of legs or tentacles. Once these roots make contact with the new soil, they anchor and spread out, enhancing the plant’s stability and significantly amplifying its movement speed.

According to local legend, the walking tree is said to take a leisurely stroll of about 2 to 3 centimeters each day, adding up to an impressive 20 meters per year. This botanical marvel, Socratea exorrhiza, achieves its movement by extending fresh roots in the desired direction while allowing the older ones to wither away. As the longer roots near the top grow, they tend to break off at their tips, facilitating the tree’s traversal over obstacles like dense undergrowth. These exceptional plants are indigenous to specific regions and rarely venture beyond a hundred meters from their original habitats.

The mystery of the “walkıng trees” decoded, true or false?

Contrary to the popular belief that this palm tree might actually be on the move, biologist Gerardo Avalos from Atenas, Costa Rica, who leads the Center for Sustainable Development Research, has demonstrated otherwise.

A study conducted by this specialist in 2005 and published in the journal Biotropica contradicts the belief that Socratea exorrhiza plants and roots are mobile. The study concludes that even if some of the tree’s roots perish, the tree itself remains stationary and does not exhibit actual movement.

My paper refutes the notion that palm trees can walk. The idea of a palm tree gracefully moving across the forest floor to chase shifts in light from tree to tree is simply a narrative embellishment used by jungle tour guides to enhance their presentations, as stated by Avalos in his interview with Life’s Little Mysteries.

Despite this, Socratea exorrhiza continues to play a vital role in the rainforest environment by providing shelter and sustenance for a wide variety of creatures. Sloths and monkeys consume the leaves of this plant, while numerous insects and other invertebrates find refuge in its thick trunk. Indigenous inhabitants of the jungle also make extensive use of walking palm trees. The timber is utilized for building and firewood, while the leaves are fashioned into baskets, mats, and roofing materials.