Inspired by the developing science of plant communication and behaviour. I wanted to explore the anthropomorphism of plants. Increasing research shows that plants are reactive to touch, smell and sound, are capable of decision making, and able to recognise their own kin. Yet the mechanisms behind many of these actions, in the absence of a brain or central nervous system, remains a mystery. Greek philosopher Theophrastus (widely considered the grandfather of Botany) likened the fluid within trees to the cardiovascular system. He was the first to use the term ‘heartwood’ to describe the central core of a tree. Ironically, this core is actually the non-living, dense, old portion of wood within a tree. The intelligence of plants cannot be likened to human or animal intelligence (or feelings), and our definition of consciousness is complicated and blurred, even when applied to animals. So how then do we even begin to comprehend the intelligence and potentially self-awareness of plants?
