
Scientists have discovered the world's first 'self-watering' plant in Israel's Negev desert – one of the driest regions on earth.
Results of experiments and analysis of the plant's growth – in an area with an average annual rainfall of 75mm – showed that the desert rhubarb is able to harvest quantities of water that are closer to that of Mediterranean plants, reaching up to 426mm per year.
That is 16 times the amount of water harvested by the small-leafed plants of the Negev desert region.
very interesting. thanks.
Yes really interesting.
Scientists claim ridges in the leaves act like mountain valleys, funneling the water slowly and directly into the plant while stopping it evaporating.
to see the picture of the plant and more details..
http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8049000/8049850.stm
This is quite intriguing. It manages to retain the water in the open. I would have thought that evaporation would have offset any possible gain it would make.
Interesting.
"These deep and wide depressions in the leaves create a "channelling" mountain-like system by which the rain water is toward the ground surrounding the plant's deep root.
Intriguing of course.
Channelled (Brit english)
Man, nature is so amazing! We're so lucky to live in a time when discoveries like this are brought to our doorstep.
What you said is absolutely correct. We are very lucky definitely.
Wow...great story...Israel has so much talent.
This is really an amazing knowledge.
Hope more news regarding Israel will uncover soon...
Makes you wonder if there are any other plants in other countries that do this. Wonder if there will be a use for this for genetically altered plants that feed people? Thanks for such an interesting seed!
If there are plants with the same capability, those will be dug out and will hear of it soon.
Well at least they will re look at some of the plants they have already looked at. Hopefully it's not a one plant wonder.
Hopefully it's not a one plant wonder.
Modern genetics has reached the point where this trait can probably be identified and propagated to some other plants.
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