Video - The Secret Lives of Plants

Do you know? Plants can talk to each other. They release volatile chemicals that can be detected by other plants. These chemicals can warn other plants of danger, such as insect herbivores, or attract beneficial insects. Plants can recognize their kin. Studies have shown that plants can recognize the roots of neighboring plants that are genetically similar to them, and even share resources with them. Plants can count. This may seem like a stretch, but some plants can detect the number of times they have been touched or shaken. This helps them to distinguish between wind and herbivores. Bamboo is the fastest-growing woody plant on Earth. Some species of bamboo can grow up to 3 feet per day! The Rafflesia arnoldii is the world's largest flower. This parasitic plant can grow up to 3 feet in diameter and weigh up to 15 pounds. It smells like rotting flesh to attract flies, which pollinate it.