These Trees Seem to Walk, Covering Surprising Distances Each Year
In the heart of Ecuador's Unesco Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, the Socratea exorrhiza palm, known for its unusual movement, appears to "walk" through the forest.
Deep in Ecuador's Unesco Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, the Socratea exorrhiza palms have earned a curious reputation: they appear to "walk" through the forest. These trees, though rooted in place, seem to shift location over time, moving in search of better soil or sunlight. While the idea of a walking tree may sound fantastical, their gradual movement is real, with some trees shifting two to three centimeters a day. Over the course of a year, they can cover a surprising distance, making it seem like they are slowly migrating across the forest floor.
The process behind this movement is tied to the tree's unique root system. When the soil beneath a Socratea exorrhiza tree erodes or weakens, it begins to grow new roots in more stable ground. These roots eventually anchor the tree, and as the new roots take hold, the older ones are lifted into the air. Over time, this gradual shifting of roots causes the tree to tilt and move toward the new growth, effectively pulling itself along. Paleobiologist Peter Vrsansky from the Slovak Academy of Sciences has observed this phenomenon firsthand, describing how the tree patiently relocates itself in search of better living conditions. This slow migration can take years, making it nearly impossible to notice without long-term observation.
Despite the skepticism of some scientists, this slow-motion movement has intrigued many researchers. Peter Wohlleben, in his book The Hidden Life of Trees, explains how all trees, not just the Socratea exorrhiza, are constantly in motion—albeit at a pace that is hard for us to detect. Roots, in their search for nutrients and water, can grow in different directions and, over time, cause a tree to subtly shift its position. Similarly, the branches of trees reach out toward sunlight, moving slowly to maximize exposure. These tiny adjustments help trees survive and thrive in ever-changing environments.
Beyond their movement, trees possess other remarkable survival traits. When damaged, they can heal themselves by growing new tissue or sealing wounds with resin, a natural defense against further harm. These adaptive abilities are vital in their forest environments, where competition for resources like sunlight and nutrients is fierce. The ability to gradually move toward better soil or sunlight is just one of the many ways trees ensure their survival in the wild.
Meanwhile, efforts to protect the Sumaco Biosphere Reserve, home to these extraordinary palms, continue. Conservationists are working to preserve the area from deforestation and logging by purchasing land and turning it into a protected research zone. There are discussions about selling parts of the reserve to universities or research institutes, or using it to promote eco-tourism, which could help raise awareness and funds for ongoing conservation efforts. The walking trees of Ecuador serve as a reminder of the complexity and adaptability of nature—and the importance of protecting these ecosystems before it's too late.