ROOT CAUSES

Sunday, September 12. 2010

A sure sign of Tree's continued recovery from her transplantation is the expansion of her root system. It's grown enough so that she has secure footing in the soil, so strong winds are no longer a danger. She wouldn't stand up to a hurricane, of course, but we're too far inland to experience those. (By the time one reaches us it's never more than a tropical depression.) Tornadoes are a concern, but they can demolish even the hardiest of trees.
Tree's roots have spread so far that they're touching those of the maple across the street. When Fenton and I teased her about it, her reaction was unexpected: she was actually embarrassed. It was as if we'd caught her in a compromising position. It seems that her off-the-scale intellect (for a tree) has led to her feeling actual love for another plant.
Whether that love is requited is a matter of debate. She seems to think so, but I know that those in love never see clearly. The maple certainly can't communicate with us in the way Tree can, but who's to say trees don't have a method of communication beyond our sensory input?
I do know that if these feelings are providing her with a positive attitude, that's helping her recovery. I'm not going to do anything to change that. She means too much to Fenton and I.
So, I guess it is possible to have feelings for a plant.
Humans, how are plants regarded on your side?

Posted by Lindesfarne at 00:06 | Comments (11) | Trackbacks (0)

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Here plants can cheer us up or look good, but since our homes are made of dead trees only some of us actually even like them. There is a term among us "tree huggers" is for a person who doesn't want to cut down trees and wants to not do anything or do more for the environment.

Most don't care or say plants and (no offense) animal life should take back seat to human business and interest.

Some of us garden, and grow food, but most use plants to make a place look better and that is it, of course a plant that could communicate would be something different, even for us.

#1 Cailan on 2010-09-12 00:49 (Reply)

Plants are more considered symbols of love as opposed to being able to love. (Usually flowers.) We don't see plants as intelligent or emotional. Even on your side, Tree is an exception as she is able to 'think' and 'act' (and interact) with the rest of what would be considered 'sentient' society. The maple across the street may not be able to interact that way, nor may any other member of the vegetable kingdom.

I wish Tree the best of luck, however: being a singular creature of your type is a lonely experience. I hope this brings her some emotional satisfaction. After all, the only other 'vegetable intelligence' we are aware of is Daisy.

#2 CharlieG on 2010-09-12 05:07 (Reply)

Ain't THAT the million dollar question... most few them as simply that- trees. Those big things that stand around, converting our Co2 into O2. Others see them as business (lumber, paper, toothpicks, ect). The rest see them as you, Lindasfarne, see Tree. Creatures, in their own rights with feelings and blah-blah-blah and will go to the same lengths you would to save tree, just to save one tree out of a forest. The latter, however are largely ignored, or usually mocked. And, yet... they have great political... influence. >.>

#3 MC on 2010-09-12 05:23 (Reply)

on another topic:
If this comment drops out due to moderation, I will not be annoyed.
On the human side we have expressions:
He looks delicious.
She ate Him.
These have sexual meanings, and may be allowed because the gustatorial meanings are blocked.
Do you have such on your side?

#4 Old Prof. Otter on 2010-09-12 16:35 (Reply)

My mother painted trees, taught me to see each one as an individual.
There was a space game that described critters encountered.
It would give personalities to sessile creatures, frex tree with fox like personality.
Trees are different for me after these encounters.

#5 Old Prof. Otter on 2010-09-12 16:41 (Reply)

We often forget that plants are even biologically alive, partly because they're much less mobile than Daisy on our side. Small wonder that vegetarians tend to think they have the moral high ground out of compassion for animals. (I'm one for a different reason: resource efficiency.) Sometimes we keep plants in our homes and offices, not so much for "pets" as for decoration and fresher air.

St. Thomas More held that God created animals for their innocence and plants for their simplicity. I like this view, even if I don't quite believe it.

#6 Classic Steve (Link) on 2010-09-13 12:31 (Reply)

So you are following the philosophy of the writer of
Diet for a small Planet?
'Otter

#6.1 Old Prof. Otter on 2010-09-13 23:33 (Reply)

Some people talk to plants and say it makes them grow better. I listen. (Mostly for the answer to "Are you thirsty"). I had a "pet" plant when I was in college. I explained my homework, and got answers. They are alive, and that's worth some regard.

#7 Robin on 2010-09-13 22:34 (Reply)

I love trees. They are beatiful and provide so many things that we need. Food, shelter, oxygen. People who think that only human needs should be considered are very short sighted, because ultimately, our most basic need (SURVIVAL!) is tied up with the survival of the planet, which means the survival of plants and animals.

#8 Jill on 2010-09-14 04:00 (Reply)

I am suprised that their are not more like tree around. Even if its only one or 2 others. Its hard to think only one plant was hit by the beam.

#9 STEVEN BRAMS on 2010-09-15 20:40 (Reply)

Small grammar error: "She means too much to Fenton and I." should actually be "She means too much to Fenton and me." (The way you can tell is drop the "Fenton and" and see which sounds right.) Yeah, I'm a grammar weanie to point this out, but it just pains me to see someone as smart as Lindesfarne to make an error like this.

#10 Cindy on 2010-10-11 09:34 (Reply)

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