Undead Tree Stump Is Being Kept Alive by Neighboring Trees

Sebastian Leuzinger and Martin Bader from the Auckland University of Technology discovered a kauri tree stump in New Zealand that appeared to have survived all of its leaves and branches, and most of its trunk, being cut off. Analysis showed that the stump was circulating water inside, but only at night and on rainy days. It is drawing water and nutrients from the roots of other nearby trees, benefitting from the intact trees' ability to photosynthesize. The phenomenon is not unknown, but Leuzinger and Bader were in a position to study it and write a research paper.  

These grafts happen when a tree detects biocompatible root tissue nearby, enabling “hydraulic coupling.” In this case, the grafts likely formed prior to the stump losing its green foliage, but the researchers aren’t entirely sure.

For the stump, the advantages of this arrangement are obvious—it gets to stay alive despite not being able to produce carbohydrates. But as the authors point out in the study, this arrangement may actually be symbiotic in nature.

Possible adaptive reasons for the support might include increased access to resources enabled by extensive shared root systems, or maybe protection against erosion. But wouldn't we like to think that the stump is being supported by its own children, who are happy to help out a disabled family member out of love? Read more about the stump that wouldn't die at Gizmodo.

(Image credit: Sebastian Leuzinger)


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