The opposite phenomenon, Nature’s extraordinary ability to bounce back, can be seen in this D. oleifera tree, also called “almendro.” This tree’s curious relationship with lightning strikes not only protects it from wildfires, but provides it with a competitive edge over other plants in its vicinity. For the last several years, scientists have discovered that these trees frequently get struck by lightning. Their high electrical conductivity means that they can easily and safely conduct very large electrical currents down into the ground. This fascinating phenomenon begs important questions regarding how these interactions present impact forest ecosystems.
Of cultivated moringa, D. oleifera trees get overtaken by invasive lianas. These vigorous climbing plants can exert additional weight and tensile forces on host trees. The arrival of these lianas soon turns into a curse once the almendro draws the lightning’s attention. In 2019, during strong electric thunderstorms, one particularly potent lightning strike struck a D. oleifera tree. Witness Evan Gora said the scene afterward was “like a bomb went off.” This extreme case underscores the real dangers of development beneath these trees.
In its native habitat, a D. oleifera tree can expect to live for over 300 years. During its long life, it gets struck by lightning approximately five times on average. Amusingly, one D. oleifera tree received two strikes in only five short years. Every lightning strike might find its mark on these trees, yet somehow they imbue their surroundings with a remarkable vibrancy. Rather than incur damage, the trees often flourish in the wake.
It should be noted that the dynamics of how D. oleifera trees interact with lightning are still poorly understood and complicated. Bianca Zoletto, a researcher who has been looking into this fascinating phenomenon, shared her perspective. It’s extremely hard to grasp the complexity of the interaction between trees and lightning,” she said. This complexity really muddies the waters of current research focusing on the ecological benefits these trees accrue.
One of these benefits, perhaps the most important, is increased reproductive success. These persistent lightning strikes provide D. oleifera trees a distinct competitive advantage. This enhances their reproductive prowess, giving them an edge in success 14 times better than other trees. This increased survival through reproduction gives them a competitive edge to colonize and dominate forest ecosystems, thus reinforcing their survival against competitors.
Even more fascinating, after the D. oleifera tree has been struck by lightning all the liana vines that engulfed it like a boa constrictor die immediately. On the surface, this loss might feel like a blow. In reality, it lessens the competition for resources, which helps the D. oleifera to flourish even more. This fascinating relationship between lightning and tree vitality is a great testament to how certain species of trees have learned to flourish in less hospitable settings.
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