“According to a catechism attributed to Saint Ninian of Whithorn, the outcome of all study should be ‘to perceive the eternal word of God reflected in every plant and insect, every bird and animal and every man and woman.’ “- Mark Batterson
As Mark Batterson moves on in Chapter 8 of A Million Little Miracles, he notes the crucial role that sound plays in plant development. Hence, in 2019, Adrienne Adar created a rather unique artistic exhibition at the Brooklyn Botanic Garen. Adrienne titled it Sonic Succulents: Plant Sounds and Vibrations.
Because plants, like animals, sing ultrasonic and infrasonic songs. Thus, the origin of Adar’s exhibition took place when she placed a microphone in a cornfield. It captured the sound of corn crackling. A process Adar described as a little bit meditational.
So, Mark states, here’s the point. Adar wants to remind people that plants, as living organisms, possess the capability of communicating in some amazing ways. For example, the author notes, when certain plants hear the buzz of a bee, they somehow know to sweeten their nectar.
Furthermore, Pastor Batterson reports, many decades ago two ecologists placed hundreds of webworms and other caterpillars on the branches of willow trees. Because they wanted to observe the trees’ response. The scientists found that the trees began producing chemicals. Chemicals that made the willow leaves unappetizing and indigestible to deter the insects.
Most significantly, healthy trees up to forty-four feet away began producing the same chemicals. A process called plant eavesdropping.
In conclusion, Mark notes that his home state of Minnesota is home to a unique plant called milkweed. During World War II, milkweed floss provided the lining for life jackets. Because it’s five times as warm as wool.
Yet, the six-foot-tall milkweed plant contains chemicals toxic to humans, causing heart damage. But to monarch butterflies, Mark quips, it’s Ruth’s Chris Steak House. The milkweed serves as a monarch caterpillar’s sole source of food. They also lay their eggs on the plant. So, to a monarch, milkweed = a miracle!
Today’s question: Do you agree with Saint Ninian about the outcome of all study? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Chasing butterflies brings joy”