{"id":800,"date":"2021-03-08T23:08:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-08T23:08:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/?p=800"},"modified":"2021-03-18T23:12:22","modified_gmt":"2021-03-18T23:12:22","slug":"do-plants-feel-pain-10-crazy-facts-about-plants","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/do-plants-feel-pain-10-crazy-facts-about-plants\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Plants Feel Pain? 10 Crazy Facts About Plants"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>As humans, we\u2019ve become very good at making the world revolve around us. But, by doing so, we\u2019ve made it all too easy to forget how intelligent nature truly is.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Plants are an essential part of everyday life; they release oxygen that helps us to breathe and play a key role in keeping animals well-fed. Simply put, without plants, the world would struggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many weird and wonderful things to know about plants. This guide will take you through ten \u2018crazy\u2019 facts, helping you to realise just how fundamental they really are.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_65 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/do-plants-feel-pain-10-crazy-facts-about-plants\/#1_They_Can_Feel_Sensations\" title=\"1. They Can Feel Sensations\">1. They Can Feel Sensations<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/do-plants-feel-pain-10-crazy-facts-about-plants\/#2_There_Are_Thousands_Of_Plant_Types\" title=\"2. There Are Thousands Of Plant Types\">2. There Are Thousands Of Plant Types<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/do-plants-feel-pain-10-crazy-facts-about-plants\/#3_Some_Are_Carnivores\" title=\"3. Some Are Carnivores\">3. Some Are Carnivores<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/do-plants-feel-pain-10-crazy-facts-about-plants\/#4_Their_Stems_Are_Very_Important\" title=\"4. Their Stems Are Very Important\">4. Their Stems Are Very Important<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/do-plants-feel-pain-10-crazy-facts-about-plants\/#5_Leaves_Have_An_Important_Job_Too\" title=\"5. Leaves Have An Important Job, Too!\">5. Leaves Have An Important Job, Too!<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/do-plants-feel-pain-10-crazy-facts-about-plants\/#6_Roots_Have_Multiple_Purposes\" title=\"6. Roots Have Multiple Purposes\">6. Roots Have Multiple Purposes<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/do-plants-feel-pain-10-crazy-facts-about-plants\/#7_They_Go_Through_Photosynthesis\" title=\"7. They Go Through Photosynthesis\">7. They Go Through Photosynthesis<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/do-plants-feel-pain-10-crazy-facts-about-plants\/#8_The_Smell_Of_Grass_Is_A_Distress_Call\" title=\"8. The Smell Of Grass Is A Distress Call\">8. The Smell Of Grass Is A Distress Call<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/do-plants-feel-pain-10-crazy-facts-about-plants\/#9_Trees_Make_Thousands_Of_Pencils\" title=\"9. Trees Make Thousands Of Pencils\">9. Trees Make Thousands Of Pencils<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/do-plants-feel-pain-10-crazy-facts-about-plants\/#10_Roses_Are_Part_Of_A_Family\" title=\"10. Roses Are Part Of A Family\">10. Roses Are Part Of A Family<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/do-plants-feel-pain-10-crazy-facts-about-plants\/#Bonus_Fact_%E2%80%93_Many_Plants_Are_Endangered\" title=\"Bonus Fact &#8211; Many Plants Are Endangered\">Bonus Fact &#8211; Many Plants Are Endangered<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_They_Can_Feel_Sensations\"><\/span><strong>1. They Can Feel Sensations<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>A common question that gets asked is whether plants can feel pain. In short, the answer is no. But, there\u2019s a more scientific explanation\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Studies have shown that plants can feel \u2018sensations\u2019; for example, they can detect when something as light as a bug is on them. Pain, however, is a coping mechanism that humans use when something is wrong. It\u2019s a natural \u201cfight or flight\u201d response. Plants do not have a nervous system or brain, meaning they cannot signal pain. If only we were more like plants!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In short, there isn\u2019t enough evidence to suggest that plants can feel pain, but this doesn\u2019t mean they aren\u2019t sensitive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_There_Are_Thousands_Of_Plant_Types\"><\/span><strong>2. There Are Thousands Of Plant Types<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re a passionate gardener, you\u2019ll understand the struggles that come from choosing plants for your garden. There are just too many to choose from! As a matter of fact, there are <a href=\"http:\/\/www.theplantlist.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">over 200,000 species of plants<\/a> and counting. Some can only be found in certain climates, meaning it\u2019s near impossible to see all of them in a lifetime.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Some_Are_Carnivores\"><\/span><strong>3. Some Are Carnivores<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/fly-trap-plant.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-802\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/fly-trap-plant.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/fly-trap-plant-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/fly-trap-plant-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A carnivore is something that feeds on other animals. You may be surprised to learn that some plants fall into the carnivore category. Venus Flytraps capture flies and eat them to boost their nutrient intake. Pretty morbid, right?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Their_Stems_Are_Very_Important\"><\/span><strong>4. Their Stems Are Very Important<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Each part of a plant has an important role to play. To start with, let\u2019s explore into what the stem does.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The stem of a plant may look flimsy, but it\u2019s crucial for plant growth. Think of it like your digestive system. The stem takes water and nutrients to different parts of the plant, ensuring that it\u2019s got exactly what it needs to thrive.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Leaves_Have_An_Important_Job_Too\"><\/span><strong>5. Leaves Have An Important Job, Too!<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Next up &#8211; the leaves. The leaves on a plant don\u2019t just look pretty, they have a whole host of benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mini-greean-leave.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-803\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mini-greean-leave.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mini-greean-leave-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/mini-greean-leave-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The leaves absorb the light from the sun and water from rainfall or watering cans. As well as taking in light and water, the leaves absorb carbon dioxide, which is needed for photosynthesis (more on that later).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, next time you see an animal biting holes into leaves, consider gently relocating it. Plants need their trusty leaves to function properly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Roots_Have_Multiple_Purposes\"><\/span><strong>6. Roots Have Multiple Purposes<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You might not see the roots of a plant, but rest assured they\u2019re working tirelessly to keep everything healthy. The roots absorb nutrients and water from the soil, sending it up towards the rest of the plant. Not only this, but the roots act as a spine, ensuring that the plant stays upright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your plants seem limp or start to wilt, the quality of the roots might be to blame. However, also pay attention to the stem, as any breakages in it will also cause wilting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_They_Go_Through_Photosynthesis\"><\/span><strong>7. They Go Through Photosynthesis<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plants make their own energy through a process called photosynthesis. This process involves absorbing sunlight through the plant\u2019s chlorophyll, which converts any water into hydrogen and oxygen. The oxygen is then released, and the hydrogen gets stored as food. The plant will also use carbon dioxide from the outside air as food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"8_The_Smell_Of_Grass_Is_A_Distress_Call\"><\/span><strong>8. The Smell Of Grass Is A Distress Call<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Plants may not be able to feel pain, but did you know that <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mentalfloss.com\/article\/30573\/what-causes-fresh-cut-grass-smell\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">grass can signal when it\u2019s distressed<\/a>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/grass-with-water.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-804\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/grass-with-water.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/grass-with-water-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/grass-with-water-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Believe it or not, the smell that comes from freshly cut grass is actually a distress call. As you cut grass, it\u2019ll go into panic mode, releasing volatile organic compounds to try and save itself from the \u2018injury\u2019 you caused. Not all is lost though, as this aroma can attract insects that benefit the land.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"9_Trees_Make_Thousands_Of_Pencils\"><\/span><strong>9. Trees Make Thousands Of Pencils<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Trees are incredibly resourceful. They produce oxygen to help us breathe, stabilise soil and become home to many different types of wildlife. But, nature aside, they also <a href=\"https:\/\/sites.google.com\/site\/1two1encyclopediaofscience\/pencils\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">help us to make pencils<\/a> and paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To put it precisely, an average-sized tree can provide enough wood to make 170,100 pencils! While we don\u2019t particularly agree with mass deforestation, it\u2019s always interesting to learn about the history of everyday objects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"10_Roses_Are_Part_Of_A_Family\"><\/span><strong>10. Roses Are Part Of A Family<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/red-roses.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-805\" srcset=\"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/red-roses.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/red-roses-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/red-roses-768x511.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like humans, plants belong to different families. Take the rose family for example, which includes 4,828 known species and 91 genera. Within the rose (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.britannica.com\/topic\/list-of-plants-in-the-family-Rosaceae-2001612\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Rosaceae<\/a>) family, you will find peaches, pears, strawberries, apricots and even apples. Did you know they were all related? Looks like a pretty good family to be in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bonus_Fact_%E2%80%93_Many_Plants_Are_Endangered\"><\/span><strong>Bonus Fact &#8211; Many Plants Are Endangered<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Just like animals, many species of plants are endangered. In fact, a staggering <a href=\"https:\/\/www.biologicaldiversity.org\/programs\/biodiversity\/elements_of_biodiversity\/extinction_crisis\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">68% of plants are likely to face extinction<\/a> in the near future. This is because, unlike humans, plants have no control over their surroundings. They can\u2019t just get up and leave, meaning if their environment deteriorates, they do too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With climate change and deforestation working at a force greater than ever before, the rate plants are going extinct is incredibly alarming. To put it into statistics, plants are going extinct between 1,000 and 10,000 times faster than they would naturally. It\u2019s safe to say that they are far more vulnerable than animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As you can see, plants have so many purposes and quirks. The next time you tend to your garden or walk in nature, take a moment to appreciate them and all that they do. The world wouldn\u2019t be the same without them!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As humans, we\u2019ve become very good at making the world revolve around us. But, by doing so, we\u2019ve made it all too easy to forget how intelligent nature truly is. Plants are an essential part of everyday life; they release oxygen that helps us to breathe and play a key role in keeping animals well-fed. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":801,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[39],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/800"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=800"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/800\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/801"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=800"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=800"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/gardenlist.co.uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=800"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}