Plants don't "cry" in the way humans do, with tears and emotional expression. However, research shows they do emit ultrasonic sounds when stressed, which can be triggered by being cut.
Here's a breakdown:
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What are these "cries?" These aren't audible to humans without special equipment. They're high-frequency clicks that scientists believe are related to cavitation (the formation of vapor bubbles) in the plant's xylem (the tissue that transports water).
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What causes the "cries?" Stress factors like being cut, dehydrated, or infected can trigger these ultrasonic emissions.
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Is it an emotional response? It's highly unlikely plants experience emotions as humans do. The sounds are more likely a physical response to changes in their internal systems. The stress causes changes in pressure and vibration within the plant’s vascular system.
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Research findings: A study published in the journal Cell found that tomato and tobacco plants emitted these ultrasonic sounds when stressed. The researchers could even distinguish between the sounds made when the plants were dry versus when they were cut.
In summary, while plants don't cry with tears, they do emit ultrasonic sounds when stressed, including when they are cut. This is likely a physical response to the disruption of their internal systems rather than an emotional expression.
