Do trees talk to each other underground?

Fungi wrap around tree roots and link them in vast underground networks, sometimes called the 'wood wide web'. Some researchers say older 'mother trees' share food and warnings through them. Others say the evidence for that is much thinner than the story.

Truth label: Debated. Serious people disagree. You get both sides.

Go deeper

What is established

Fungal networks connecting roots are real, and trees trade sugars with fungi for water and nutrients.

What is debated

A 2023 review found little direct evidence that trees deliberately help their offspring or neighbours through these links.

Learn

1. A partnership. Most plants rely on fungal partners. The relationship is older than trees themselves.

Test yourself

Sources

• Mycorrhizal network

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