It’s something that plant lovers have long suspected, but now Australian scientists have found evidence that plants really can feel when we’re touching them. Not only that, but different sensations trigger a cascade of physiological and genetic changes, depending on the stimulation the plants are receiving, whether it’s a few drops of rain, or a little soft pat…

Although people generally assume plants don’t feel when they are being touched, this shows that they are actually very sensitive to it, said lead researcher Olivier Van Aken from the University of Western Australia. “While plants don’t appear to complain when we pinch a flower, step on them or just brush by them while going for a walk, they are fully aware of this contact and are rapidly responding to our treatment of them,” he added.

~ Fiona MacDonald

Plant People of Central Park, photo by Devadana Sanctuary